Local developer to host Clinton fund-raiser

McALLEN — Security should be tight for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s fund-raising visit today, but if the U.S. Secret Service has its way you won’t even notice the former first lady’s motorcade or security detail.

Clinton is currently the frontrunner in a crowded field of Democratic hopefuls in the 2008 presidential election. Because of her status as the former first lady, she is the only candidate to have Secret Service protection.

“We are working in cooperation with the McAllen Police Department to provide a safe environment for the former first lady,” said Mark Lacey, the Secret Service agent in charge of McAllen operations. “The impact to the community will be minimal.”

Not much more was divulged about the security arrangements. Nor were details about the $2,300-a-head fund-raiser Clinton is scheduled to have at prominent real estate developer Alonzo Cantu’s home.

Clinton is scheduled to spend all day in Texas, attending two public events in Houston before making appearances at various fund-raisers throughout the state. Cantu’s home is to be her last stop before her scheduled return to New York tonight, and the senator is expected to spend at least “a couple hours” in McAllen, campaign spokesman Mo Elleithee said.

If Cantu’s past events are any indication, Clinton should fly home with a hefty sum of money for her presidential run.

Cantu last hosted a fund-raiser for the junior senator from New York in 2005. Guests paid $500 for a seat and Cantu raised more than $150,000.

He also hosted a breakfast fund-raiser for Clinton in 1999 as part of her 2000 Senate campaign. Clinton pulled in $200,000 at the $1,000-a-seat fund-raiser.

Cantu has been a Democratic Party cash cow, hosting several fund-raisers at his house that have landed Democratic candidates, on the local and national level, millions of dollars.

Cantu would not comment on the latest event.

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Andres R. Martinez covers courts and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4434.

Monitor reporter Carlyn Mitchell contributed to this report.