Mitt Romney Attends Fundraisers in Riverside, Newport Beach — Bringing Out Protesters

Several events on a Southern California campaign swing have brought out critics

A handful of protestors greeted presidential candidate Mitt Romney at a private fundraiser in Riverside Friday – one of several events that the former Massachusetts governor is attending on his swing through Southern California.

Romney's fundraiser at the private Victoria Club brought out about 10 protestors to the front of the gated property. One critic carried a sign reading: "Country Club President? Really?"

A Romney supporter said about 150 donors were at the Victoria Club fundraiser, which Romney left at about 12:30.

The presumptive GOP nominee is set to attend an event in Newport Beach Friday evening that is also expected to draw sign-carrying critics of his candidacy.

The fundraiser, a cocktail reception at The Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, will cost attendees $1,000 to $25,000.

Activists plan to dress up as "billionaires" to attempt to "crash" Romney's party, according to organizer Christian Larsen.

The second day of Romney's visit to the Southland comes after former first lady Nancy Reagan announced her support for him on Thursday. Reagan visited with Romney and his wife Ann at the former first lady's Bel Air home.

Reagan said her late husband, President Ronald Reagan, "would have liked Governor Romney's business background and his strong principles, and I have to say I do, too."

After meeting with Reagan, Romney on Thursday attended a $50,000-per-couple fundraiser at the nearby Beverly Crest mansion of billionaire Anthony Pritzker. 

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Romney's California tour started earlier Thursday with an event at the Fremont headquarters of Solyndra, the failed solar-panel company that received a federal stimulus loan before going bankrupt. Romney decried Solyndra as an example of failed Obama economic policies.

A USC Dornslife/Los Angeles Times poll released earlier this week showed President Barack Obama up 19 points over Romney with voters in the Golden State.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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