Kerry set to return to Ohio for 2 fund-raisers

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. John Kerry is headed back to Ohio next week to hold an event on the economy and headline fund-raisers in Cincinnati and Columbus that together expect to raise $1 million.
A luncheon costing $1,000- to $25,000-a-person will be held Tuesday at the Four Points Sheraton hotel in Cincinnati. It's being hosted by four Democratic supporters who live in Cincinnati.
Money contributed above the $2,000-a-person limit for federal candidates will be forwarded to the Democratic National Committee, said Jennie Berliant, one of the fund-raiser organizers.
Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken is on the organizing committee for the luncheon, his office said. Luken will be featured along with British guitarist Peter Frampton at a fund-raiser for Kerry in July, Berliant said.
After lunch, Kerry will travel to Columbus for an afternoon event highlighting the economy, campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri said. Details for the event weren't immediately available.
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman will host Kerry for a breakfast fund-raiser on Wednesday, Coleman spokesman Greg Haas said. The breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Downtown will start at 7:45 a.m. and is expected to attract about 1,000 people, who will pay $150, $250, $1,000 or $2,000 for the event.
Each fund-raiser is expected to raise $500,000, organizers said.
Kevin Madden, a spokesman for the Bush-Cheney campaign, said President Bush doesn't have any upcoming fund-raisers planned in Ohio.