Obama rewards top fundraisers with plum diplomatic posts

President Obama on Friday nominated a pair of his leading financial backers to serve in ambassador posts in the Dominican Republic and Belgium. 

{mosads}Denise Bauer of the San Francisco Bay area and James “Wally” Brewster Jr. of Chicago have helped raise more than $5 million for the president’s campaigns and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) since 2007, according to a database kept by The New York Times.

The two bundlers — supporters who gather contributions on behalf of candidates — were among more than a dozen people selected Friday for a variety of ambassador posts and other administration jobs.

Bauer, a resident of posh Belvedere, Calif., was finance chairwoman for Women for Obama from 2011-2012 and served on the Obama for America National Finance Committee during both of the president’s White House runs.

Before that, she worked in television news and public affairs, the White House said.

Bauer helped collect more than $4.3 million since 2007. She was nominated for the position of ambassador to Belgium.

Brewster is the senior managing partner for the Chicago consulting firm SB&K Global.

Together with Bob Satawake, Brewster helped raise more than $1.1 million for Obama and the DNC, according to the Times database. Brewster was tapped for the Dominican Republic ambassadorship.

In a statement issued by the White House, Obama said all of those chosen “have demonstrated knowledge and dedication throughout their careers.”

“I am grateful they have chosen to take on these important roles, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come,” he said.

Obama selected three other financial backers for ambassador jobs last week.