From the files of the funny but true:
Les Phillip, an Alabama Republican running for the U.S. House of Representatives, recently welcomed former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee to his district for a fundraiser during the second quarter. Huckabee endorsed Phillip, but it was an expensive endorsement:
According to his Federal Election Commission report, Phillip raised just $17,000 and spent more than $56,000 during the second quarter.
His disbursements include a $33,990 speaking fee for Huckabee, $600 for photography for the Huckabee event, $438 for a lunch with Huckabee, $6,233 for a stage rental and equipment (presumably for the Huckabee event), and a $2,350 facility rental fee (also presumably for the Huckabee event).
In other words, Les Phillip spent nearly $45,000 to bring Mike Huckabee to his district, only to raise less than $20,000, resulting in Phillip having to loan his campaign money to pay its bills.
That’s funny, and more than a little ironic.
A kiss of death for Huckabee. I am a fan of his and think he would be a great vice-president. But he lacks an essential presidential leadership trait: a commanding presence.
He will not be invited to more of these gatherings, I reckon.
Personally I can’t see how anyone can justify paying a $33,000+ speaking fee to have Huckabee come speak at an event, given the state of the economy.