Palin speech fills GOP pockets

EUGENE, Ore. – Sarah Palin helped boost fundraising for Oregon Republicans by more than $250,000 with her appearance in Eugene in April.

The Register-Guard reported Saturday the April 23 speech was also a bargain for $35,000 – less than half the standard fee Palin has been reported to charge for West Coast appearances.

As the fall elections approach, campaign finance records filed with the Oregon Secretary of State show the Lane County Republican Central Committee now has a balance of more than $118,000 after finishing last year with only about $329 on the books.

Bill Young, the GOP chairman for Lane County, said it may have seemed like a bold move for Republicans to invite Palin to speak in a predominantly Democratic Oregon county, but it paid off nicely.