Ed Rendell Blames Donald Trump For Lack Of DNC Funding
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- We are less than two months away from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. At this time, organizers still need to raise millions of dollars.
Why are they behind in bringing in cash?
Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said it has been difficult raising money for this year's convention; more so than in year's past.
We're talking about $10 million. Rendell is also the chair of the DNC and he's confident that they will get that money before the convention.
"There's 60 days to go," Rendell said. "That's an easy figure for us to make up in 60 days."
However, nothing really seems easy in this year's race for the White House. Rendell told Eyewitness News that he isn't worried, but he is realistic.
"We've had a little more difficult time than we expected for three reasons." According to Rendell, the first is that both parties will not receive $18 million from the federal government which went away with sequestration. The second reason is that the city does not have the budget surplus that it had in 2000 when the RNC was held here.
The third reason might surprise you.
Rendell is blaming Donald Trump.
"Because of Donald Trump's candidacy, because of the things he said about Latinos and Muslims, a number of major national companies pulled out of funding the Republican Convention and then to be fair, and not to show favoritism towards us, they pulled out and didn't fund us as well," Rendell said.
As party leaders wait for the money to come in, things are already starting to take shape at the Wells Fargo Center. Construction began this week. Mayor Kenney held a press conference urging Philadelphians to stay in town during the DNC, saying that it will be nothing like last year's Papal Visit.
DNC officials are going to work hard over the next 60 days to try to get families out to the convention, selling it as a family-friendly experience where people can learn something about the political process.