Obama Ramps Up Fundraising Efforts

President Barack Obama and top aides have quietly launched a campaign fundraising offensive targeting groups that have been critical of administration policies. The goal is to fund a summertime expansion in battleground states, The Washington Post reports.

Campaign officials want to broaden the network of those seeking money from wealthy donors and lure back small donors that broke fundraising records four years ago.

In recent weeks, Obama has attended 28 fundraisers across the country that have targeted specific groups including those who have been upset with administration policies such as business leaders, gays, and Jews.

The fundraising push coincides with campaign plans to hire staff and open offices in key states this summer, moves typically taken far later in the election cycle.

To lure in small donors, the campaign recently highlighted a raffle for $5 givers that would give them a chance to win “dinner with Barack and Joe.”

Another promotion is called Gen44, which is designed to bring in small and medium donations from young professionals.

The push for early money is also necessary to fend off Republican efforts by both presidential candidates and outside groups determined to defeat Obama.

Karl Rove’s American Crossroads has set a goal for 2012 of $120 million and has already launched a $20 million ad campaign targeting Obama’s economic policies, according to the Post.