WASHINGTON — From the announcement of Barack Obama's longshot candidacy to the management of his presidential transition, his organization -- including the biggest fundraising operation in U.S. political history -- has rolled forward with seemingly flawless precision.
But for the team trying to pull in more than $40 million to pay for the festivities at next month's historic inauguration, the process has had some uncharacteristically bumpy moments. Officials expect to meet their budget and underwrite a colossal celebration that they say will be open to more people than ever.
Still, with less than a month to go, organizers are adding elements to the master calendar. They've told some supporters that they might not get all the goodies they'd expected in exchange for big donations. And they've scrambled to think up new ways to deal with unforeseen "market frenzy": the insatiable appetite of wealthy supporters not just to attend, but also to buy themselves VIP status.
An estimated 3 million to 5 million people are expected to squeeze in around the Capitol and onto the National Mall for the Jan. 20 swearing-in. Most will contend with frigid weather, traffic jams, packed subway cars and walks from distant staging areas -- all for a fleeting glimpse of the new president.
But those making big donations will be rewarded with exclusive tickets, upfront seating and invitations to fancy events, including a black-tie dinner with Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden for hundreds of the most generous supporters.
Anyone raising $300,000 or more will earn the title "trustee" and get four tickets to every special inaugural event on the schedule, along with seats to the swearing-in and parade.
Rewarding big donors with inauguration day favors is nothing new. But the challenge is especially difficult this time.
Many potential givers are experiencing donor fatigue after the long campaign, especially with the economy in a tailspin. And in keeping with Obama's promise of high ethical standards, his canvassers have operated under a limit of $50,000 per contribution from individuals. Obama's camp also banned any donations from corporations, unions and political action committees.
That means more donors were needed -- as were more enticements.
The result has been some unusual headaches for a team whose fundraising operations have been run with widely envied precision.
