NM Money: McCain Rakes it In; Downticket Money Update; and I Receive My First Democratic Fundraising Call…

One month ago I wrote about the upcoming McCain visit to Albuquerque and how it might be a test of enthusiasm for the candidate (June 17, 2008–Upcoming McCain Event Will Test Appeal to Indies, Conservative Democrats and GOP Base’s Enthusiasm).

There have been many reports and blog commentaries about the event itself, but I was curious to see how McCain fared in terms of monetary support.  Apparently, there is cash flowing here in New Mexico among the Republican money base.

According to blogger Joe Monohan,

Numbers were still being added up for that ABQ McCain fundraiser held at the Hilton Inn Monday night but Ken Zangara, McCain’s NM finance director, pronounced the evening “great,” saying about 200 of the state’s top R’s were in attendance. The cheap seats were going for $1,000 a pop.

When we blogged the upcoming fundraiser last month, we speculated that with a shaky economy and the Republican base generally unenthusiastic, Zangara would have his work cut out for him. He seemed to think he had succeeded. KOAT-TV was reporting the take may have been as high as $400,000, with some of the money going to the state GOP. Apparently high gas and low stock prices aren’t yet hurting the GOP upper crust. At the dinner they dined on steak and shrimp.

Among those on hand at the McCain party: GOP US Senate nominee Steve Pearce, ABQ GOP US Rep. Heather Wilson, Northern GOP congressional candidate Dan East and former ABQ GOP US Rep. Manuel Lujan. Also spotted in the crowd was former Colorado GOP US Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell.

McCain seems to being have more luck with raising cash than some of the downticket GOP candidates.