Gambling authority questions Obama Web offer

Campaign offers donors chance to attend Democratic National Convention

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updated 12:20 p.m. ET July 8, 2008

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A Minnesota official has asked state authorities to investigate whether a request for money by Barack Obama's presidential campaign constitutes an illegal raffle.

In a letter on the campaign's Web site, campaign manager David Plouffe ties the solicitation to the announcement that Obama will deliver his nomination acceptance speech at Denver's 76,000-seat Invesco Field at Mile High.

"If you make a donation of $5 or more between now and midnight on July 31st, you could be one of 10 supporters chosen to fly to Denver and spend two days and nights at the convention, meet Barack backstage, and watch his acceptance speech in person. Each of the 10 supporters who are selected will be able to bring one guest to join them," Plouffe says.

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How the 10 will be selected is not detailed. The campaign says the solicitation is not a raffle.

Tom Barrett, the director of Minnesota's Gambling Control Board, said he has asked the state Department of Public Safety to look into whether the solicitation violates Minnesota gambling laws. Only nonprofit charities may conduct raffles in Minnesota.

Obama spokesman Nick Kimball says the campaign isn't conducting a drawing. Instead, the campaign will consider individual stories and other factors in selecting a group to meet Obama.

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