Bon Jovi hosting gathering for Obama

NEW YORK Twin fund-raisers are set for Sept. 5 at the tony Jersey Shore homes of Democratic National Committee Finance Chairman Philip Murphy and Bon Jovi, state Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan confirmed.

It's exciting," said Cryan.

Cryan noted that Obama will be in New Jersey the day after Republican presidential candidate John McCain formally accepts his party's nomination in Minnesota.

Tickets for the first event will be $2,300 a person. The price jumps to $28,500 a person for the event at Bon Jovi's house, which benefits the DNC.

Cryan said Bon Jovi will greet guests at the first event. It's uncertain whether he'll entertain during the event at his own home, though it's assumed he will perform.

The Obama campaign did not immediately confirm the appearance on Monday and said that the senator's public schedule does not yet go as far out as Sept. 5.

Cryan told The Star-Ledger of Newark that Bon Jovi was offered a position as a New Jersey delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Denver this week, but turned it down.

Bon Jovi has a history of supporting Democratic politicians.

New Jersey has been a cash machine for Obama. According to Federal Election Commission records, Obama raised $6.4 million in the Garden State as of June, compared with $2.8 million raised by McCain.

A group of prominent Democratic New Jersey fund-raisers who call themselves "The Group" had supported Hillary Clinton, but are now raising money for Obama.

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