The National Republican Congressional Committee raised $15.1 million for its annual March fundraising dinner, the most it’s raised for the event since it began, a committee aide tells The Hill.
{mosads}That’s an increase from the $14.1 million the dinner brought in last year, and a win for Rep. Aaron Schock (Ill.), chairman of this year’s dinner. He personally pledged to raise $2 million for the dinner, and NRCC Chairman Greg Walden (Ore.) praised his hard work on the fundraiser.
“I’m proud to announce that we raised over $15 million for the NRCC March Dinner to strengthen the new Republican Majority in 2014. This outstanding fundraising effort will enable the NRCC to stay on offense against House Democrats who continue to support the failed policies and leadership of Nancy Pelosi,” he said.
Walden added: “We’ve never had such enthusiasm from our donors from all around the country. Congressman Schock did an exceptional job in chairing this Dinner, and I am grateful for his tireless work that helped us exceed our goal.”
The dinner takes place in Washington, D.C., Wednesday evening and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is the keynote speaker, a marquee slot often reserved for White House contenders. Her appearance comes as she makes moves to raise her profile nationally, endorsing and fundraising for Senate candidates and speaking out more frequently on international affairs.
Last year’s dinner was chaired by Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) and keynoted by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
The $15 million haul marks a notable success for the NRCC, which has struggled to raise funds this cycle and was outraised by its Democratic counterpart by $15 million in 2013.