DNC Won't Cover OT for Obama Fundraising Visit
Westport shelled out $14,812 in overtime expenses for Obama's Aug. 6 stop.
Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 06: U.S. President Barack Obama walks across the South Lawn before boarding Marine One and departing the White House August 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama is traveling to Connecticut for a campaign fund raising event. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The Democratic National Committee won't be paying nearly $15,000 to cover overtime costs for a fund-raising visit from President Barack Obama in Westport Aug. 6.
President Obama came Stamford for a $500-per person reception on the Stamford Marriott.
After Stamford, the president went to the home of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein for a $35,800-per person dinner. The event was reportedly attended by the likes of Anne Hathaway, Aaron Sorkin, Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Joanne Woodward.
According to Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, the town incurred $14,812 in police and fire department overtime because of the president's visit, including security used to shut down Sherwood Island State Park for the day when Obama's helicopter used the normally public beach as a landing area.
Obama left the state with about $2 million for his re-election campaign.
Joseloff said he sent letters to the DNC, Obama for America and to Weinstein requesting reimbursement for the overtime costs.
In a letter dated Aug. 14, Amanda Howe, chief operating officer of the DNC said the organization will not cover the overtime.
"Please note that as a private organization, the DNC did not participate in security, traffic control, fire or EMS planning," Howe said. "All such decisions, including their impact on costs incurred by federal, state or local governments are exclusively within the control of the appropriate government officials."
Joseloff said he has not received responses from the campaign or Weinstein.
