Impeachment trial forces senators to scrap fundraisers

The impeachment trial of President Trump is keeping some senators from fundraising events ahead of a busy election year.

Senate Republicans, in particular, have had to postpone a few Washington fundraisers because their attendance is required at the trial.

A fundraiser set for Wednesday night for Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), who is running for reelection this year, was postponed around 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to an email obtained by The Hill. 

The “Small Dinner benefiting Alaskans for Dan Sullivan” was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. “Requested Contribution: $1,000 PAC or $500 Personal to Attend, $2,000 PAC or $1,000 Personal to Host,” the invite read. The campaign has another dinner for Sullivan set for Jan. 28. 

Sen. Mitt Romney’s (R-Utah) PAC also postponed its “Believe in America Kick-off Reception,” set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, around 10 a.m., according to an email obtained by The Hill. 

The Romney PAC event had suggested donations of $1,000 for PACs and $500 personal contributions. 

The National Republican Senatorial Committee PAC was also forced to cancel a fundraiser this week. PAC Director Megan Becker sent an email around 1 p.m. on Tuesday postponing a fundraiser for that evening at 6 p.m. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) were slated to attend that event.

The scrapped fundraisers highlight how the impeachment trial has scrambled the schedules and campaign plans for many candidates, most notably those Senate Democrats who are running for president. 

The campaign for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who is seeking the Democratic nomination, announced Tuesday that it was canceling a rally in Iowa scheduled for Wednesday because of the trial. But the campaign said that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) would attend two events later in the week in the state.

Trump’s impeachment trial officially began Tuesday, and senators faced a late night on day one, with the proceedings going through midnight and ending early Wednesday morning. Senators could face more long nights and Saturday sessions. This week, the Democratic House managers have 24 hours over three days to present their case. President Trump’s lawyers will be afforded the same amount time. 

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) also canceled a fundraising dinner with members of the Democratic caucus in Philadelphia that was set for Thursday.

Updated at 9:56 a.m.