Here are ten things you need to know today.
- Romney campaign aims to raise $800 million: The Romney campaign and the RNC, who are now raising money together, have set a goal of raising $800 million, reports the New York Times. The Romney camp estimates that this will be part of a $1 billion campaign to defeat President Obama, according to a memo circulated by top Romney fundraisers over the last few days. The memo indicates that they hope to get at least $500 million from big donors and $300 million from small donors. They also estimate $200 million coming from super PACs.
- DNC goes after Romney’s ‘hot mic’ moment with new video: The DNC released a 2-minute video hitting Romney on the issue of “secrecy” and the fact that he told more to donors about his policies than to the American people. The candidate’s “hot mic” moment in Florida on Sunday played nicely into Democrats’ overall goal of painting Romney as a secretive candidate who won’t reveal enough tax returns or discuss the specifics of his policies.
- Santorum says he hopes to influence party: On a conference call with supporters Monday night, Rick Santorum said his goal going forward was to be involved in the issues he cares about, which includes making sure his delegates are seated at the convention and influence the party platform. And while he said that money was not the main reason he dropped out, he solicited money from callers to help pay off his debts from the campaign.
- Poll shows Romney struggles with favorability: A new poll from ABC News and the Washington Post show Romney entering the general election with the lowest approval for any presumptive nominee since 1984 and trailing President Obama by 21 points. Among registered voters, Romney is viewed unfavorably by 48% and favorably by 40%; Obama’s is a positive 54% – 43% split.
- Ann Romney weighs in on Seamus incident: In an interview with ABC News’ Diane Sawyer that aired Monday night, the Romney’s talked about the infamous incident in which they drove to Canada with their dog on the roof. The story has become significant as a show of Romney’s lack of compassion, but Ann Romney said that “The dog loved it” and that he would get excited when he saw his crate because it meant he was coming along on vacation. Mitt Romney said he wouldn’t do it again given all the negative press coverage of the incident.
- Romney still vague on support of Lilly Ledbetter Act: Mitt Romney says he would not get rid of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act but still refuses to say whether he would have signed it if in office three years ago. As he told Diane Sawyer: “I’m not going to go back and look at all the prior laws and say had I been there which ones would I have supported and signed, but I certainly support equal pay for women and– and have no intention of changing that law, don’t think there’s a reason to.”
- Obama buoyed by likeability, support from women: Another poll confirms that while Mitt Romney and Barack Obama run neck-and-neck on issues like the economy, President Obama benefits from being far more likeable to voters. According to the latest poll from CNN/ORC International, Obama leads Romney by double digits on likeability and other personal traits. He also enjoys a 16-point lead among women voters — a problem that has become apparent in recent polls and which the Romney campaign has been trying to remedy.
- Melania Trump hosts birthday fundraiser for Ann Romney: Four-hundred guests are expected at a birthday fundraiser for the Romney campaign, hosted at the Trumps residence by Melania Trump for Ann Romney’s birthday on Tuesday. The event could bring in as much as $600,000. A spokesman for the Trumps said Mr. Trump plans to drop in to wish Romney a happy birthday and will host a second fundraiser for the former governor once he’s officially the nominee.
- Michelle Obama raising money Tuesday: First lady Michelle Obama will be in fundraising mode Tuesday. First, she will speak at a Democratic National Committee event in Nashville before heading to two DNC fundraisers in Pittsburgh.
- Romney campaigns in Pittsburgh: Mitt Romney will hold a midday campaign roundtable at a community center in suburban Bethel Park.
