Ann Romney raises GOP campaign dollars in Indian Hill

CINCINNATI - There was another indication Wednesday that Southwestern Ohio is one of the nation's most fertile grounds for Republicans to generate campaign contributions.

Case in point: Ann Romney's Indian Hill fundraiser at the home of Frances and Craig Lindner. That's in ZIP code 45243, one of the top ZIP codes in the United States for GOP political donations.

It cost $1,000 just to attend the event and $2,500 if a donor wanted to attend a VIP reception with a photo opportunity.  A private dinner with GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney was available if a couple donated $20,000 or pledged to raise that amount for the campaign.

Mrs. Romney was expected to fire back at critics who accused her husband of being out of touch with average Americans. In Findlay, Ohio, Wednesday, she said her own bout with multiple sclerosis taught the family what it means to suffer and lose hope. She has been in remission for years.

"When people say that we've led a charmed life and we don't relate to people that are having trouble, I want to remind you that I've been in a very dark place and I know what it is to have no hope," she said.  "Believe me when I tell you these words: We are there for you because we know what it feels like."

Romney and his wife were both in Cincinnati Saturday for a campaign appearance at Union Terminal -- the first stop after the Republican National Convention concluded in Tampa.

The Lindner family has supported Republican candidates for years.  When he was in office, President George W. Bush attended a fundraiser at the home of Carl Lindner, III, Co-Chief Executive Officer/Co-President/Director of the American Financial Group (AFG).

Craig Lindner, also a Co-Chief Executive Officer/Co-President/Director of AFG, donated $25,000 to Restore Our Future on March 26, according to federal campaign donation records. Carl Lindner, III, and Keith Lindner donated similar amounts three days later as did Edyth Lindner, wife of the late Carl Lindner, Jr.

In July, Craig, Carl and Edyth Lindner each donated $125,000 to both Restore Our Future and American Crossroads.

9 News will sit down with Ann Romney for a 1-on-1 interview Thursday. Stay with WCPO.com and tune into 9 News beginning at 5 for the full interview.