An FEC filing released this week shows at least 10 people paid the $10,000 necessary to have their photo taken with Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Gov. Sarah Palin following their campaign rally on April 7.
A $10,000 donation to the Minnesota-Bachmann Victory Committee granted donors access to a private reception and photo opportunity, as well as a table for 10 at dinner.
The FEC filing lists ten individuals or couples who donated that amount, though it only accounts for funds raised before April 1 (i.e. the total number of donors is likely much higher).
The photo op has drawn criticism from Bachmann's challenger Tarryl Clark, who created a Web site -- mytengrandphoto.com -- which allowed people to doctor Palin and Bachmann into their personal photographs.
The event's invitation noted that $10,000 per couple would qualify for the private reception and photo. Six individuals gave $10,000, while another four donated $5,000 along with their spouses.
Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, a well-known Republican donor, is among the six individuals who gave $10,000.
Altogether, the Minnesota-Bachmann Victory Committee, a joint fundraising committee between Bachmann's campaign and the Minnesota GOP, raised $238,000 prior to April 1. That number also likely rose significantly in the days leading up to the event.
The proceeds benefit both Bachmann and the Minnesota Republican Party.
