Oct 22, 2009 5:49 pm US/Eastern
How Much Will Obama's Boston Visit Cost?
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Gov. Deval Patrick and President-elect Barack Obama on January 19, 2009 in Washington, DC.
Joshua Roberts-Pool/Getty Images
President Obama is coming to Boston Friday to speak at MIT and raise money for Gov. Patrick's re-election campaign.
So how much will it cost taxpayers? Russ
Declared his Curiosity:
"Who is paying for all the trips President Obama is making. It appears he spends more time away from Wash. D.C., than in."
WHO'S PAYING WHAT?
State Police won't say how much they're spending, citing security reasons. Boston police were tight-lipped too. The Mayor's office gave a rough estimate based on the assignment of100 police officers for six hours at $55 an hour. That adds up to about $33,000 for the city.
Governor Deval Patrick was evasive when he was asked about the cost Thursday.
"You'll have to ask someone who knows that answer," he told WBZ's Karen Anderson. "But I'll tell you it's not unusual for a president to get out and get around and be connected with the American people."
His campaign told Anderson they are responsible for paying the costs of the president's travel from MIT to the Westin Copley in downtown Boston, where the
Patrick fundraiser is being held. They're also responsible for paying for Obama's travel from the Westin to Logan Airport.
The White House says that travel costs for presidential trips that include political business are divided up. The White House is reimbursed by the political group for the political portions of the trip. For example if a trip is deemed 50% political, the political group, in this case Patrick's campaign, would be responsible for 50% of the costs. That would include the costs of Air Force One and staff per diem.
The cost of the President's Boston trip is not available yet.
23 FUNDRAISERS THIS YEAR
Obama will have headlined 23 fundraisers in the first nine months of his presidency, according to
CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller, who keeps a detailed log of presidential activities.
Former President George W. Bush had only six events during 2001, his first year in office, though all politicking was muted in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
HOW MUCH HAS EVERYONE RAISED?
The visit has the potential to wipe out Patrick's fundraising disadvantage in the governor's race.
As of Sept. 30, he had raised $523,000.
Republican Charles Baker reports having $461,000 on hand.
Fellow GOP candidate Christy Mihos reports $35,000, although he is a millionaire who could also spend personal funds.
Treasurer Timothy Cahill, a former Democrat now running for governor as an independent, leads all candidates with over $3 million in the bank.
BACK AGAIN IN 2010?
Fundraiser attendees can give up to $500 per calendar year, allowing Patrick to bank donations in 2009 and still have the option of calling Obama back in 2010 to attract another round of donations during the re-election year.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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