In a fundraiser scheduled for today at Hunan Dynasty restaurant on Capitol Hill, freshman Rep. Bill Sali (R) is asking supporters to help him retire a campaign debt of more than $200,000.

Billed as a debt-retirement luncheon, the noontime event is asking for $1,000 from political action committees and $500 from individuals. Sali represents the solidly Republican 1st district, and should be well-positioned for re-election despite a closer than expected win in November over attorney Larry Grant (D).

Sali, who beat Grant by 5 points, raised $86,731 in the first quarter of this year, to finish with nearly $70,000 on hand and almost $229,000 in debt. Grant is expected to try again in 2008.
— David M. Drucker