Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's campaign racked up a $10,000 tab during his June 1 fundraising visit to Newport Beach, city officials said Tuesday.
A bill for $10,441 was sent to Romney last week, seeking reimbursement for the cost of police and security measures during his campaign stop at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort.
The Republican got off easy compared to President Barack Obama, who was charged $35,043 after his breakfast fundraiser at a , officials said.
City Manager Dave Kiff attributed the difference to Obama's higher-profile position.
"The traffic control/intersection staffing [for a president] is much greater than for a person who is just a candidate," Kiff said. "President Obama’s visit involved closures of several miles of Newport Coast Drive and Pacific Coast Highway [because] the U.S. Secret Service requires any president to drive along roads that are free of all traffic."
Romney's invoice gives him until July 21 to pay the city. Kiff said Newport officials expects to see the tab paid on time: "We always expect everyone to pay their bills."
Obama's bill was due June 9 but hasn't been paid, city spokeswoman Tara Finnigan said Thursday.
