Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will host supporters of the Democratic National Committee at a Baltimore Ravens viewing party tonight.
Rawlings-Blake, who also is secretary of the DNC, and the 10 Democratic Party backers will gather at Townhouse Kitchen and Bar in Fells Point to enjoy food and drinks provided by the committee.
The Ravens are playing an away game against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football with the team's playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Rawlings-Blake, last week, held a contest that raised funds for the committee. Potential donors were asked to "chip in $10 or whatever you can, and you'll be automatically entered to join me for the game," Rawlings-Blake wrote in an email. Ten winners were selected. They can each bring a guest.
"I love the Baltimore Ravens -- I always have. And because there are few things better in life than good crabcakes and the reigning champs, I want to share them both with you," Rawlings-Blake's email from the DNC states.
In an interview last week, Rawlings-Blake said she didn't see anything unusual about a sitting mayor raising money for the Democratic party. She said no city money would be used during the event.
"The leadership of the DNC have been asked to, in their own town, to host events for the party," Rawlings-Blake said. "It's not unusual for politicians to fundraise ... It's unusual for a mayor to be a DNC secretary. It's a big move on the part of the Obama administration and the party. They understand that mayors get things done for the country. ... I appreciate every opportunity that I can to shine a positive light on Baltimore and the things that we're doing."
Luke.Broadwater@baltsun.com
Twitter.com/lukebroadwater