Sarah Palin to star at two GOP fund-raisers

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will offer a major boost to the Republican National Committee in the final weeks of the midterm campaign, with a starring role at two major fund-raisers in California and Florida, a party source confirms.

The first of two “Victory 2010” events is set for Oct. 16 in Anaheim. Ticket prices range from $20.10 for advance purchases, $90 for a reserved seat, or up to $1,000 to attend a reception with Palin that includes a photo opportunity. The second rally, one week later, is in Orlando, Fla.

Palin has been a one-woman political force in 2010, backing dozens of Republican candidates – many in contested primaries – and injecting regular commentary on the electoral landscape through Facebook, Twitter and appearances on Fox News Channel. She had limited her direct involvement with major party committees, however, to the Republican Governors Assn., of which she was a former member.

Thursday’s announcement marks a new commitment to the party’s efforts to win races for Congress and governorships this fall, and a much-needed lift for the Republican National Committee.

“The committee engaged in trying to get the governor to be involved for awhile, knowing what a great asset she is to the Republican Party and our candidates. We’re obviously very pleased and honored that she is doing so much to help Republican candidates,” a party source said.

The RNC has lagged the Democratic National Committee in fundraising this cycle. In August, it raised $7.9 million and had just $4.7 million cash on hand. The DNC had more than $13.4 million available through the same reporting period.

The committee’s financial struggles have led it to dial back its traditional role in get-out-the-vote efforts, though the party has opened well over 300 “victory offices” throughout the country providing on-the-ground support in competitive districts.

The DNC, meanwhile, announced today it is transferring another $5 million to its Senate and House campaign committee counterparts and seven state parties. To date, it has transferred $15 million to other party sources.

President Obama is scheduled for two more fund-raisers in Washington on Thursday night that will further boost the party’s coffers with less than five weeks until election day.

mmemoli@tribune.com

twitter.com/mikememoli