SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- President Obama's campaign event at the end of this month is moving to a different venue to accommodate a much larger crowd than expected.
The fundraising reception was originally supposed to be held at the Marriott in South Portland, but the 800 available seats sold out in a matter of weeks. The event is being moved to the Hutchinson building at Southern Maine Community College. That venue has more than double the capacity of the Marriott.
Democrats says it's a sign that Obama's re-election campaign is gaining ground here in Maine. But republicans caution not to read too deeply into this campaign event, because sitting presidents always draw a large crowd. Political science professor Ron Schmidt agrees, but he says the Obama campaign has been doing better over the past few weeks, with recent numbers showing signs of an improving economy.
"We might be seeing signs of some real democratic enthusiasm," Schmidt said. "Either way, it makes very good sense for the Democratic Party to claim it as a sign of enthusiasm. We talk about social media and super PACs, at the end of the day elections still come down to mobilization."
Tickets for the campaign event range from 100 dollars to ten thousand. That price will get you into a special photo reception with the president. The campaign has also added less expensive 44 dollar seats for students. That number was chosen because Obama is our 44th president.
NEWS CENTER