WASHINGTON -- Oprah Winfrey will host a fund-raiser for Cory Booker Aug. 1 in Jersey City, his campaign confirmed Friday.
The support from a media giant, well-known enough to go by first-name only, is one of the most prominent examples of why many think Booker has huge political potential. Her help can bring attention from even casual voters and campaign money -- which Booker already has plenty of. Oprah's effort was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The Journal reported that tickets will go for $1,000; a $2,600 VIP ticket includes a photo.
Democrats have described Booker as a "folk hero" and "celebrity" in describing how he became the favorite in the race for a coveted Senate seat, and perhaps nothing exemplifies that status more than help from one of the biggest names in pop culture.
Booker has already received financial support from the Hollywood and Silicon Valley elite. The likes of Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard, among many others, have donated to his campaign and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is among those who have pledged to help as well.
Booker has raised $6.5 million for his campaign since January, and much more is apparently on the way.
He is running against Congressmen Frank Pallone and Rush Holt and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver in a Democratic primary set for Aug. 13.
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