Republican vice presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan is the featured guest at several Connecticut fundraisers Sunday that aim to raise money for the Romney-Ryan campaign and the national Republican Party.
Two fundraisers will be in Fairfield County. But Democrat Rep. Jim Himes, who is running for re-election in Fairfield County, the 4th Congressional District, is not concerned about the visit of the Republican heavy-hitter to the heart of his district. In fact, Himes said, he’ll roll out the red carpet for him.
“Having Ryan come here and talk about his budget is the best thing that could happen to Democrats in the state,” Himes said.
Ryan, who represents a Wisconsin district in Congress, is author of a controversial budget plan that would privatize Medicare and cut billions of dollars from social programs to try to reduce the federal deficit.
But it’s unlikely he’ll make any stump speeches during his visit to Connecticut, a Democratic stronghold.
Ryan will also be the draw at a fundraiser at the West Hartford home of businessman Arnold Chase on Sunday.
The 50,900-square-foot mansion will host a cozy roundtable with Ryan, where guests who donate at least $10,000 will be able to discuss issues and concerns with the vice-presidential candidate. A $5,000 donation will get you a photo with Ryan, and $1,000 will let you gain entrance to a general reception where you might be able to shake his hand.