Obama says no to Reid's funding appeal

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Barack Obama's campaign said no to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's request to share Obama's $77 million for congressional races, insiders said.

While Democratic insiders say a better deal could be struck, the Obama campaign agreed only to let Senate Democrats use Obama's name -- and those of his wife and running mate -- in fundraising efforts, Politico reported Tuesday.

No joint fundraising events are planned for House or Senate Democratic candidates, sources told the Washington publication.

Obama raised a record-setting $66 million in August, leaving his campaign with $77 million in cash. Since he refused public financing, the Illinois senator can keep raising money through Election Day.

Reid and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Charles Schumer of New York hoped to get up to $10 million from the Obama campaign, Politico said. With 23 GOP seats up for election, Democrats see an opportunity to add to their majority.

Matthew Miller, the committee's communications director, said the committee was "working closely with the Obama campaign on fundraising and on field operations and political organizing."

Obama has done two e-mail and two direct-mail appeals for the DSCC this cycle, while Biden did one earlier this month, Miller said.