Presidential hopefuls host fundraisers in Newport

Newporters had two chances to turn out their pockets Friday — first for Arizona Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign fund-raising breakfast, and then for former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson’s fund-raising dinner.

Both events were in Newport Beach, both asked donors to give between $500 and $2,300, and both were closed to the media. McCain and Richardson — a Republican and Democrat, respectively — are the latest of presidential hopefuls to stop by to raise cash.

Neither candidate is among the top three in his party. “Each, I think at this point, is something of a long shot for his party’s nomination for the president,” UC Irvine political scientist Louis DeSipio said. DeSipio predicts they will keep coming back.

— Alicia Robinson