NPR: Top Clinton Fundraiser Bolts to Obama Camp

Top Clinton Fundraiser Bolts to Obama Camp

Gabriel Guerra-Mondragon, who served as an ambassador to Chile during Bill Clinton's presidency and became a top fundraiser for Sen. Hillary Clinton, has jumped ship to the Obama campaign.

The Los Angeles Times reports that sources inside the Obama camp said he had "became 'concerned about the tone of the race.' " Guerra-Mondragon, who had raised $300,000 for Clinton, will now use his fundraising skills for Obama.

The Washington Post's The Trail caught up with Guerra-Mondragon, who confirmed the reason behind the switch.

"We're just bleeding each other out," Guerra-Mondragon said, when asked about the switch. "Looking at it as coldly as I can, I just don't see how Senator Clinton can overcome Senator Obama with delegates and popular votes. I want this fight to be over, the quicker the better."
The former Clintonite said the decision to jump ship to join Obama's team "was a very, very difficult decision for me to make. I am an old and longtime friend of Senator Clinton. And I continue to think she is a fantastic and formidable person. But I am first of all a Democrat."

Clinton aides said they did not see more "HillRaisers" (as the top fundraisers are called) following Guerra-Mondragon. "Pennsylvania did the job of calming any nerves that existed," said Jay Carson, a campaign spokesman.

8:13 AM ET | 04-26-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

We are first and foremost Americans. Obama is the exceptional kind of leader to help us conquer the myriad of serious challenges we face together as a nation.

This nation needs to move beyond the scream mode of politics and pettiness, and I believe that Obama has wisely worked to stay above the fray, understanding that it does little good to tear his opponent down because that only serves to fracture the Democratic party.

It is a sad day, when most of the mainstream media would rather focus on the inflammatory sound bites and headlines. They should be the 4th branch of government serving to educate the public - and Lord knows, we have a huge number of serious issues that could use the coverage!

I am so thankful for NPR, C-Span, and the BBC and public television - they are the last bastions of the 4th branch of government.

Sent by Valerie Dale | 10:37 AM ET | 04-26-2008

Couldn't be better put "We're just bleeding each other out". Though some may consider it token it says volumes about what's at stake. No matter how the Clinton camp spins it PA was no slam dunk, far from it.

Sent by george | 10:42 AM ET | 04-26-2008

We need the entire dem. party to show the kind of courage Gabriel Guerra-Mondragon has shown and put the party (and country!) interest above any fear of how one is perceived.
Let's hope we don't hear the same type of vitriolic comments out of the Clinton campaign that we heard when Governor Richardson endorsed Obama.

Sent by Eric | 11:03 AM ET | 04-26-2008

I am a 64 yr old woman who is backing Obama and have several lady friends doing the same. I just want this over, the sooner the better. It turns my stomach to hear all the "kitchen sink" trash that has been used to attack Sen. Obama.
Please end this disaster.

Sent by Kathy Hunt | 3:09 PM ET | 04-26-2008

Please take the time and effort to show support for those who are acting for the betterment of America. Obama will do the best job of allowing the people to have influence in our government. What gets done will be up to us. Lets get started by supporting Obama.

Sent by Joe | 3:15 PM ET | 04-26-2008

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