Democrats’ fascination with Hillary Clinton is growing stronger — enough that three groups have now set up super PACs to support her should she decide to run for the White House in 2016.
Neither the former First Lady nor her supporters have endorsed any of the three,
Politico reports, but their existence demonstrates how much backing she has within the party for a presidential campaign.
If Clinton runs in 2016, many believe her ties to Wall Street and wealthy Democratic donors would give her the connections necessary to set up her own super PAC that would rival the unmatched donor base of President Barack Obama’s Priorities USA Action.
So far, the largest pro-Clinton super PAC is Ready for Hillary, which has already lured a number of volunteers and operates with campaign experience. The super PAC Hillary FTW — with “FTW” standing for “for the win” — was established by Hector Pacheco, a 26-year-old attorney who says his interest in helping Hillary is “part hobby, part passion.”
HILLARYCLINTONSUPERPAC, the third outside group, is registered to a Davenport, Iowa, estate sales business.
Not to be outdone, opponents have become active, as well. Lobbyist Laurence Socci recently established the Defeat Hillary super PAC.
While super PACs can raise unlimited funds, they are required to disclose any donation above $250 and the Federal Election Commission has the power to kill dormant committees. In March, the FEC closed more than 300 groups that had never raised any funds.
The focus on Clinton’s super PAC activity comes as The Hill newspaper reports that she is preparing to make her first paid-for speech at the National Multi Housing Council in Dallas on April 24. While it’s unclear how much she will receive for the appearance, experts estimated she should be able to draw six figures for each engagement.
Clinton is represented by the Harry Walker Agency, which also represents her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who is estimated to have earned more than $100 million in speaking fees since leaving office in 2001.
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