Thursday, May 13, 2010

Amid Record Deficits, O Hosts Swanky Fundraiser but Cuts Military Pay? After beating up Wall Street 'fat cats,' President Obama ready to take their $$


President Obama has been happy to beat up on Wall Street "fat cats," but tonight he'll be even happier to take their money.

The President is slated to headline a superswank, $50,000-per-couple fund-raiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at Manhattan's gilded St. Regis hotel on Fifth Ave.

The high-dollar affair will feature fine French food, a bevy of Wall Street titans and 23 Congress members - including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Not everyone is thrilled that Obama and Pelosi are looking to use New York as a campaign ATM at the same time that they are trying to rein in Wall Street, the city's biggest job and tax generator by far.

At least one ex-congressional campaign committee giver said he's decided to boycott the event and will send his money to the GOP instead.

"I'm a New Yorker first," said the once loyal Dem, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of inciting the White House. "We are depending on our congresspeople to defend New York, not to just go along with Nancy Pelosi for the ride."

Kathryn Wylde, president of the business-backed Partnership for New York City, was considerably more welcoming - but still drew a link between Wall Street's health and its ability to bankroll political campaigns.

"We are really happy he's coming and hope he brings good news," said Wylde, adding pointedly, "New York's future as a place to raise money hangs in the balance!"

Organizers said they expected 185 guests to fill out St. Regis' main ballroom, where Obama will hold forth beneath a vaulted, cloud-dappled ceiling and gilded chandeliers.

Ticket prices start at $15,000 a head, or $30,000 a couple, which will get you dinner and a picture with the Prez.

Couples that shell out a full $50,000 also get to attend a VIP reception with Obama, who earlier in the day will be chatting up factory workers in Buffalo.

The food, at least, should be five-star: A topnotch lineup of chefs from the French Culinary Institute in SoHo - including Jacques Pepin, Alain Sailhac, Jacques Torres and Andre Soltner - are prepared to do the honors.

The chairman of the event is Rep. Steve Israel (D-L.I.), who earlier this year was persuaded by Obama not to run in a primary against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

"It's always an honor to chair an event with the President of the United States," Israel said, "and it's an even bigger honor to host him in New York."

dsaltonstall@nydailynews.com

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