Spitzer War Chest Rakes in $6.2 Million in '04

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer raised $6.2 million for his gubernatorial campaign in the first six months of the year, bringing his cash repository to a hefty $12.3 million, the New York Post reports.

The amount raised by Spitzer is expected to double that of Gov. George Pataki, who has yet to reveal whether he intends to seek re-election, the newspaper said. Spitzer's sack of cash included nearly $1 million raised in Florida, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Washington.

Among the heavy-hitters were movie mogul Harvey Weinstein ($45,000) and former Eagles singer Don Henley ($15,000).

Academy award-winning actor Tom Hanks and faux politician Alec Baldwin contributed $1,000 and $2,500, respectively. Director and erstwhile "Meathead" Rob Reiner added $2,000 to Spitzer's campaign coffers.

In December 2003, Spitzer kicked off his fundraising efforts with a luncheon at The Sheraton New York Hotel where a distinguished list of more than 700 New Yorkers showed up to honor Spitzer and begin stockpiling his war chest.

The star-studded affair featured the likes of tennis great John McEnroe, Weinstein, actress Bernadette Peters, Cablevision chief James Dolan and Yes Network head Leo Hinder.  Admission to the gala ranged from $1,000 to $2,500 a plate.