Trump campaign boots local GOP bigwigs from New Hampshire event
February 10, 2020
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Nearly 200 New Hampshire Republican Party VIPs had their access to President Donald Trump's Monday night rally revoked at the last minute, upsetting some of the party's most prominent elected officials and activists.
The big names who were booted include state Rep. Jason Osborne, an influential member of the House who spearheads the GOP’s policy team; Fran Wendelboe, a former deputy majority leader and state commissioner; and Diane Bitter, a party activist.
Those who were no longer welcomed inside the lower-level VIP reception were told they could wait in line for general admission. As of four hours before the event, the line stretched about a half of a mile down the city's main street, including people camped outside the arena in approximately 20 degree weather.
A person close to the campaign blamed it on "too many cooks” — a number of different local party leaders were involved in inviting VIPs and the process became unmanageable.
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. POLITICO has learned the campaign sent out an invitation for a higher level of VIP status to the Trump rally, which included a photo opportunity in exchange for a $15,000 donation.
Greg Moore, state director of Americans for Prosperity, had his credential revoked within the last 24 hours.
"There's obviously a ton of interest," Moore said. "All the action to this point has been the Democrats and for the first time ever, the president and vice president are doing an appearance the day before the primary."
Moore said he has heard complaints for some people who were upset about missing out on the chance to see the president. Not him: "It was perfectly fine with me. I didn't have to wear a suit today."
Source: https://www.politico.com/
