Top aides to Donald Trump’s campaign signaled support for a group that can collect contributions of unlimited size from wealthy donors, as the Republican nominee tries to narrow the massive financial lead enjoyed by Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Paul Manafort, the Trump campaign chairman, spoke by phone at a fundraising event in Cleveland on Wednesday organized by Rebuilding America Now, a super-PAC that supports Trump. Marty Obst, a top adviser to Trump’s running mate Mike Pence, appeared in person.
The campaign’s overture signals a potential thaw between Trump and super-PACs, after he disavowed the groups during the Republican primaries and ridiculed his opponents for depending on their support. It may also provide guidance to Trump donors who were uncertain about which of several competing super-PACs enjoys a tacit blessing from the campaign.
“If we go into this with a hydra-headed effort, we’re not going to be able to compete,” said Alex Castellanos, one of the organizers of the group, in an interview following the meeting. A Trump spokeswoman didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-07-20/top-trump-aide-said-to-plan-super-pac-fundraiser-appearance
