The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

Al Gore tried to tap into it during his presidential run, and every Clinton hand running for higher office this year has made runs out west to La-La Land hoping to hit pay dirt: Janet Reno , Robert Reich , and Erskine Bowles . But the big winner in the California campaign lottery is former senior White House adviser Rahm Emanuel , who in the wake of his primary victory last March is a shoo-in to win U.S. Rep. Rod Blagojevich 's Chicago seat this fall. /p>

In fact, Emanuel may hold the keys to any Democratic fundraising success in Hollywood, in part, because it's all in the family. Younger brother Ariel Emanuel is partner in the influential Los Angeles talent shop, the Endeavor Agency, and has been key in lining up Hollywood players to back Democratic causes. "Clinton used him all the time, and still does when he's out there," says a former Clinton hand. "If you're a Democrat and want to make a splash, Ariel Emanuel is key and you better be in good with his brother and the president."

Perhaps that's why Gore found a cool reception to feelers in recent months about future support from former backers out west. Robert Reich, the former Clinton labor secretary, has complained to DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe that Clinton and Ariel Emanuel have made it virtually impossible for him to raise money anywhere in California, and Janet Reno, too, has received a cold shoulder from Democratic Party loyalists in Los Angeles who seem hesitant to cross a line drawn by Emanuel and Clinton. Only Erskine Bowles doesn't seem worried, because he can draw on other sources.

"You might not want to be associated with Clinton in your campaign ads," says a DNC fundraiser, "but the word is out: if you want the cash from Hollywood, Clinton still has the combination to the vault."

topics:
Environment, Hollywood, NATO, Energy, Alaska, Oil