Politics

Here’s How Much Money You Have To Raise To Be A Ted Cruz Bundler

Kerry Picket Political Reporter
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In the last two days, big-money Republican donors have received information about the benefits they could receive for raising tens of thousands of dollars for the presidential campaign of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Cruz has already raised $500,000 after announcing Monday he is running for president. NBC News reports that 60 percent of his donations have come from large donors, while 40 percent have come from online donations.

According to a three-page pamphlet sent out by Cruz for President and obtained by The Daily Caller, voters who raise at least $500,000 for the Texas Republican will be considered a co-chair of the National Finance Committee, given an invitation to a special retreat with Cruz and his wife Heidi, as well as an invitation to a quarterly dinner with the couple at their home. This top level of fundraising is considered the “Founders” level.

Raising half a million dollars will also provide the fundraiser with regular campaign leadership reports and give him or her a VIP Republican National Convention package that includes a hospitality suite and VIP reception at the convention. The bundler will also have access to host committee receptions to events in their home state.

Other fundraising levels below the Founders rank that includes some of the same benefits are the Statesmen (raise $250,000), Generals (raise $100,000) and Federalists (raise $50,000). As a presidential candidate, Cruz is now constrained by campaign finance rules that limits donations to $2,700 per person during the primary.

“Mr. Cruz will finance his campaign by looking to a mix of small-dollar contributors and a handful of wealthy patrons who could finance a super PAC,” Cruz adviser Jason Miller told The New York Times, noting Cruz was aiming to raise at least $40 million. Hoping to raise $1 million by the end of the week, Cruz will launch a 10-city fundraising tour on Monday starting at a fundraiser in New York City at a cocktail reception hosted by Rebekah Mercer.

On Tuesday, he will be in Houston at a $1,000-a-head fundraiser where musician Charlie Robison is performing. The VIP reception will cost each attendee $2,700. An opportunity to join the host committee will also be available.

An individual must commit to raise $50,000 for this option. Other cities Cruz will visit, according to Politico, are: Austin, Dallas, San Diego, Champaign, Ill., and St. Clairsville, Ohio.