This was set to be one of the biggest political events Marinette, Wis., has seen in a while. Rep. Mark Green (R-Wis.), who is running for governor, and state Assembly Speaker John Gard (R), who is running for Green’s House seat, held what was supposed to be a “major fundraiser.” They even brought in a big name to headline the event: Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.
Apparently, Congress’ most powerful lawmaker and the man third in line for the presidency is not as big a draw as Wisconsin Republicans had hoped.
About 15 people showed up to the event in Marinette, Wis., on April 1, despite the fact that roughly 700 invitations were issued, according to Wisconsin GOP Executive Director Rick Wiley…. [O]ne Wisconsin Republican told [Roll Call] that the small attendance was “a black eye” for Green, the Assembly speaker and the state party.
Forget the Wisconsin gang; isn’t the real embarrassment for Hastert? They invited 700 major GOP donors to see the Speaker of the House — on a Friday night, in a town with limited entertainment options — and 15 people show up?
I’m sure Hastert gave a real barn-burner of a speech. Best of all, he probably didn’t even need a microphone.