Democrat Matt Entenza's campaign for governor got a cash boost this week from members of congress during a fundraising trip to the nation's capital. The event on Wednesday shows the former state House minority leader's national connections that may help to boost his campaign above the crowd.

Among the co-hosts for the Wednesday event: four U.S. Senators, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, five current U.S. Reps, Terry McAuliffe, longtime operative to Democrats and aide to the Clintons, and John Podesta, former chief of staff to President Clinton and co-chair of President Obama's transition team . The full invitation is here.

Entenza, who has personal wealth to throw into the race to replace Gov. Tim Pawlenty, also held a fundraiser in California last month at the home of Wade Randlett, the president of Dashboard Technology and a big giver in Democratic circles.