Obama to raise money in the Valley

YOUNGSTOWN — Presidential hopeful Barack Obama, a U.S. senator from Illinois, will have a private fundraiser June 20 at the Boardman home of local businessman Herb Washington.

Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams said he will attend the fundraiser, which costs $1,000 a ticket, but isn't prepared to endorse the Democratic presidential candidate.

"I'm very interested in what he has to say," Williams said. "If I have an opportunity to hear from presidential candidates, I will."

Those who attend the fundraiser can give up to $2,300 to Obama. That is the most amount an individual can contribute to a presidential candidate under federal law.

This is the first visit to the Mahoning Valley by Obama and the first fundraiser in the area by a Democratic presidential hopeful.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator or www.vindy.com