2 Austin fundraisers planned for Obama

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In an effort to raise big bucks on a Texas Tuesday, President Barack Obama will hit two of the state’s largest cities – Austin and San Antonio.

During his visit, his campaign is hoping to best his Republican rival – former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney – who raised $106 million last month, compared to Obama’s $71 million.

Austin

On Tuesday afternoon, the president will attend a downtown fundraiser at the Austin Music Hall hosted by the LGBT Leadership Council. Tickets for the event, which will feature singer/songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, range in price from $250 per person to $7,500 per couple.

He later will head to a second Capital city event hosted by Tom Meredith – Dell’s former finance chief.

At Austin's Obama Store - located at 2406 Manor Road - hundreds were buying last-minute items before the president's visit - everything from T-shirts to bumper stickers.

"I've got four friends going with me, and we're in the preferential standing zone, so we hope to get a handshake," said Vicky Spradling, who also came to pick up her ticket to the Austin Music Hall event.

"Actually, people are picking up their tickets here today, so we've had a steady stream of people coming through," said Glen Maxey, as he managed the store.

San Antonio

Earlier in the day, Obama will attend a fundraising event at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in downtown San Antonio. The crowd is expected to swell to 1,000, compared to a previously planned location where 300 were expected.

This fundraiser will be hosted by actress Eva Longoria, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, and U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzales, among others. The president will attend a second fundraising event while in town.

The events are expected to set a new record for a Democrat in San Antonio – a projected $3-4 million.

Romney set his own San Antonio record last month with $3 million.