Trump to host fund-raiser for South Jersey Rep. Tom MacArthur
While most Republicans from the Philadelphia area have tried to keep their distance from the president - and the health bill - Rep. Tom MacArthur has embraced both.
WASHINGTON — President Trump will host a fund-raiser June 11 for South Jersey Congressman Tom MacArthur, using his New Jersey golf club to help a lawmaker facing intense criticism after playing a key role in pushing the GOP's Affordable Care Act rollback through the House.
The event at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster is soliciting donations ranging from $5,400 per couple up to $100,000 raised and donated by hosts, according to an invitation obtained by the Inquirer.
While most Republicans from the Philadelphia area have tried to keep their distance from the president — and the health bill — MacArthur has embraced both, making himself a prime political target for anger on the left. Angry constituents, who have protested outside his office, harangued him at a recent town hall and purchased billboard space calling for his ouster.
The attacks have arrived after MacArthur, who represents much of Burlington and Ocean Counties, worked closely with the White House to strike a deal to revive the Republican repeal and replace the plan and move it through the House last month, delivering one of Trump's first major legislative steps. At a White House celebration after the vote, MacArthur was praised by name by Vice President Pence and was one of only a few rank-and-file lawmakers to get a turn at the microphone.
He worked closely with Pence in putting together a deal that won over House conservatives and got the plan through the House, keeping alive one of Trump's key campaign promises.
Democrats have made MacArthur a top target. He represents a district that Trump won but that went for Barack Obama twice before that.