Kaine in LR today for fundraiser
$2,700 minimum to get into event at attorney’s home
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine will visit central Arkansas today for a private fundraiser in Chenal Valley, party officials said Monday.
The U.S. senator from Virginia is to appear at the west Little Rock home of attorney Mike Roberts and his wife, Deborah, from 3-5 p.m.
The minimum per-person contribution to attend is $2,700, officials said.
Roberts, a member of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, is “a dedicated Democrat and a faithful donor,” according to state party spokesman H.L. Moody.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton selected Kaine as her running mate last month. Since then, Kaine has been campaigning across the country, making numerous stops in Republican-leaning states to raise money and rally supporters.
Roberts’ website says he “has close relationships with the Clinton campaign. … He and his team have fully supported President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton for decades, recently raising over $500,000 at a Democratic fundraiser for Hillary Clinton in Los Angeles.”
Kaine is also to travel to Nashville today for a fundraising dinner at Valentino’s Ristorante, according to media reports.
Roberts was in a meeting and not immediately available for comment, his office said Monday afternoon.
Vince Insalaco, chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas, said he is pleased to have the candidate coming to town.
“We are proud to welcome Tim Kaine, the next vice president, to the Natural State. His visit continues to show the momentum for Hillary and down-ballot Democrats in Arkansas,” Insalaco said in a written statement.
Dustin McDaniel, a Democratic National Committeeman and former state attorney general, will attend the fundraiser.
“It’s exciting to have Sen. Kaine back in Little Rock. He was here when he was chairman of the Democratic National Committee,” McDaniel said.
Kaine’s trip underscores “the campaign’s continued investment in and commitment to Arkansas,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel co-hosted a Dallas fundraiser with Kaine a few weeks ago and said Clinton’s running mate made a good impression.
“He’s very personable. He’s very likeable. He’s a sincere and very intelligent gentleman. He’s a great asset to the ticket,” McDaniel said. “I think for the folks in Little Rock who haven’t met him yet, they’re going to like him very much.”