Wanted: $50 Million for Patrick Kennedy

Patrick Kennedy has announced the most ambitious fundraising goals ever for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. In his quest to help Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives in 2000, Kennedy is trying to raise $50 million. His party needs just a net gain of six seats to win an outright majority.

Kennedy is not alone in this effort. He will have valuable help from President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt, and a bevy of celebrities and Democratic heavy-weights. Fundraising events will be held in every region of the country featuring big-name personalities. Last year, the DCCC raised $37 million.

Kennedy recently attracted press attention when a DCCC fundraising brochure from him and Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt offered a "weekend getaway at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port" in September in return for contributions of at least $100,000. If that doesn't fit your schedule, you can join Kennedy for a "January ski trip to Telluride, Colo." According to the Boston Globe, national Republicans don't think much of the idea. The National Republican Congressional Committee criticized the notion, doubting that "selling the Kennedy compound can fill the vacuum of ideas that currently bankrupts their party."