Obama helps DNC fundraisers collect $3M

WASHINGTON, March 26 (UPI) -- The Democratic National Committee garnered more than $3 million at two Washington fundraisers featuring President Barack Obama, officials said.

Obama and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, the DNC chairman, attended one event Wednesday at the National Women in the Arts Museum, during which about 150 donors contributed $30,400 each -- the maximum allowed by law, The Hill reported Thursday. Obama then went to the Warner Theater where singer Tony Bennett performed and tickets ranged from $100 to $1,000.

The money Obama raised is part of a traditional windfall that benefits the party controlling the White House, the Washington publication said. Republican National Committee records indicate former President George W. Bush raised $146 million for GOP committees and candidates during the 2008 cycle.

The DNC reported having $8.6 million cash on hand as of March 1, but had more than $6.9 million in debt. The RNC had more than $24 million in the bank March 1 and reported no debts or obligations.