House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi entertained Hollywood political players last night with her plans for regaining a Democratic majority in November. The gathering was at the home of Haim Saban and was co-hosted by Steve Bing. "More than 50 of Los Angeles' most influential political fundraisers and consultants" attended, says Tina Daunt at the Hollywood Reporter, despite a conflicting memorial for Gil Cates.
Those gathered at the Saban estate listened to Pelosi, Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee head Steve Israel lay out a strategy for regaining control of the house in 2012.They told the crowd that the Democrats have "a real chance" to take back 25 seats.
"They identified between 50 and 75 seats that are definitely vulnerable," the attendee said. "They went through each of the races. It was truly one of the more focused presentations that I've seen."
They may want to seek out some less partisan info on those races. Of course, all some wanted to talk with Pelosi about was what the Democrats would do for Hollywood after the embarrassing crash of its Internet piracy bills.
Also today: President Obama's campaign released an updated list of his top campaign money bundlers in Hollywood, including Jeffrey Katzenberg, Anna Wintour, Harvey Weinstein. No surprises, but for the record from Ted Johnson at Variety:
Among the industry and Los Angeles supporters who raised $500,000 or more were Katzenberg, Michael Smith and James Costos, Weinstein and Wintour. Also in the category were John Emerson and Ken Solomon, Southern California finance co-chairs for the reelection campaign, as well as political consultants Noah Mamet and Andy Spahn.Those who raised between $200,000 and $500,000 included Colleen Bell, Mai Lassiter and Eva Longoria. Bell is hosting Obama at her home for fundraising events on Feb. 15. With her husband James, a producer, Lassiter hosted Obama for an October fundraiser. And Longoria raised for an event in October aimed at Latinos.
Those who raised $100,000 to $200,000 included Clarence Avant, Ari Emanuel, Wendy Wanderman and Mark Gorenberg, Chad Griffin, Michael Lynton and Kelly Meyer.