Mitt Romney coming to California in search of campaign cash

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is taking a fundraising swing through California next week, hosting events in at least five cities, according to a campaign memo obtained by The Times.

The former Massachusetts governor is only the latest 2012 campaign visitor to target the state that typically gets little love during presidential contests but is pursued relentlessly for its rich trove of wealthy donors in both political parties. First Lady Michelle Obama and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman recently toured the state to raise money, and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is expected to visit soon.

Romney will raise money at stops in Sacramento, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire between June 21 and 23.

The memo also includes a partial list of the candidate’s state finance committee chairs, including prominent Republicans such as failed gubernatorial nominee Meg Whitman (who used to work for Romney), former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, Sun Microsystems co-founder Scott McNealy, prominent homebuilder William Lyon, former MGM Studios Chairman Harry E. Sloan, and Tony Pritzker (whose sister Penny was the 2008 national finance chairperson of President Obama’s campaign).

Californians were generous with Romney in his unsuccessful 2008 bid, contributing more than $8 million to his primary battle with Sen. John McCain, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

It’s unclear how much the three-day swing will net Romney, but an invitation to a June 21 barbecue at McNealy’s Portola Valley home calls for a suggested contribution of $1,000 to $10,000 per person.

Publicly, Romney has had a relatively light schedule in June largely focused on New Hampshire – he formally kicked off his campaign, held a town hall and met with voters, and took part in his first debate in the state that is home to the first-in-the-nation primary.

But the candidate’s private schedule is far more jam-packed, with Romney hopscotching the nation to raise money. The California trip is sandwiched between similar events in Colorado and Utah.