(CNN) - The presidential inaugural committee has borrowed a page from the president-elect's campaign playbook, offering donors the chance to enter a lottery so they can be on hand for the big event - and now, an essay contest that promises the same chance for those who keep their purse-strings closed.
But the committee still expects something in return for a shot at the prize announced Tuesday, which includes: round-trip tickets to Washington, DC, a hard to come by two-night hotel stay, and tickets for winners and a guest to Barack Obama's swearing-in, the inaugural parade, and one of the night's official inaugural balls.
Those interested need to submit an essay by midnight on Thursday, January 8 on the question: "What does this inaugural mean to you?" Committee staff will pick the ten winners.
The committee has said they need to turn to untraditional fund-raising efforts because of new limits the Obama team has placed on the size of donations to help fund inaugural festivities.
Obama's team used a similar fundraising approach during the presidential campaign, offering supporters the chance to win tickets to his acceptance of the Democratic nomination in Denver this summer, and election night celebration in Chicago last month.
From CNN Politics
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much better than selling to highest bidder or giving out to friends of the senators
FYI – the link to submit doesn't work.
The link to the essay for the Inauguration appears to be broken. I can not access information about the essay.
Thank you.
but a good idea
Wow Richard Rohde now you and your 10 brothers and sister can all ride the short yellow bus to Washington. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, what a great country we live in. God Bless America and Idiots like the Rohde's..
I would love to be there.... but I think I will be much more comfortable in my own livingroom watching in this most wonderful event!
Barack Obama is everyone's President. He is the first Everyman since maybe Lincoln. His backgroung makes him understand every one of us! I am so proud of this man! And I don't care who knows it... I'm one proud Ind'n!
Great Idea! I want in on that one! We will be there although the trip would be shorter if we can fly vs. driving! Looking forward to the events.
link not working..
Well, good. Now this inclusive of the poor.
Why not to the highest bidder?
The real Democratic way!
Wow. Hey I've got some great news for you right wing-nuts: I won't be spreading my liberal cheer on the blogs for a few days. I will be writing my essay about what the inauguration means to me. I can't wait to share excerpts of it with the blogosphere.
Your link to the submitting the essay doesn't work!
Is this a hoax? The "submit an essay" link only leads to a page that says "what you are looking for is not here." Is this a legitimate contest or just a way to get people's email addresses?
Another example of inclusion from the Obama camp. Good show!!!
What this inauguration means to me, is to witness history in a making. For a blackman to be a leader of the most powerful country of the world and about change in day to day leaving of people in the whole world.
I received one of the invitations to donate in return for a chance to win inauguration tickets. However, because of Mr. Obama's selection of Rick Warren – a known oppressor of GLBT American families – I informed them that I would not donate and would not be planning to join in any celebrations.
I encourage all Americans who want to celebrate the diversity of ALL of America to do the same.
Oh Yes I want to enter the contest but the link is broken. Please provide more details on the essay.
I say let's make this contest worth playing the winner escorts the Bush's out of Washington.
I would love to enter – but don't know where to start!
Such an Historic event as this will be a once in a life time happening.
I would like to see the entries – it will be probably hard to decide as so many are moved in a positive way by this President Elect, not only for the racial barriers that have been broken through but for the challenges that face this country and the world.
Yes Richard Rohde eat your heart out while you see our next 44th president sworn in or just stay home and drink yourself to death because your not deserving to watch this great moment you old dirty rethug from who knows where
Who's running this committee...Gov Blagojevich?
I'm entered – and hoping to win!
Texas Teacher: "His backgroung makes him understand every one of us! "
I didn't realize we were a counry of rich, preppy, ivy-league, lawyers with shady friends and political connections.
Does anyone ever look consider researching the corporate party line nonsense we get spoon fed? I mean before we open our mouths and repeat the slogans we hear in the corporate media?
Yes "Richard Rohde" might have to work that day, dear God who will Jack-in-the-box get to be in charge of the French Fries? Get some sleep Rich you deserve it. Idiot's like you don't come along everyday.
Looks like Richard Mom put his helmet on and put him to bed for the night. Sleep tight little Idiot.