What Gwyneth Paltrow Has to Do With Saving the Senate for Democrats
Hollywood and politics go together like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The close ties will be on full display tonight when Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow hosts President Obama at a star-studded DNC fundraiser and dinner at her Los Angeles home.
Candidates of both parties might welcome any celebrity firepower they can get, especially this year. The stakes are particularly high because Republicans only need six more Senate seats to win back the majority in the Senate, and Democrats are struggling in key races.
Although many celebrities donate to candidates, Paltrow is just one of many high-profile celebrities going above and beyond that level for campaign 2014. Here are a few others:
The campaign of Sen. Al Franken, D-Minnesota, raffled off tickets for a fundraiser hosted by fellow "Saturday Night Live" alumnus Amy Poehler, who also campaigned for Franken. Winners of the raffle got to attend a party hosted by the "Parks and Recreation" star in L.A.
Back in September, singer and Atlanta native Usher hosted a campaign event for Michelle Nunn, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Georgia, at his house. Former President Bill Clinton was also a guest.
Here is an Instagram photo where the three are all smiles:
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Successful gathering at my home today to support the growth of Atlanta #RaymondCompound #ATL
Employing her musical talent, Alanis Morrissette wrote a campaign song for author Marianne Williamson, who was hoping to represent California's Beverly Hills district. Unfortunately, Williamson, who ran as an independent, lost in the California primary in June and Morrissette's song didn't get much use.
"Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin hosted a fundraiser for Sen. Tom Udall, D-New Mexico, at his personal cinema this past Tuesday.
Win a trip to meet George R.R. Martin and Senator Udall in Santa Fe. Enter here: http://t.co/gqPj0ohYQ4 #GRRM #GoT pic.twitter.com/mLG9CD8Vjs
- Tom Udall (@tomudall) September 18, 2014
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker got a lot of love from celebrity A-listers. Oprah Winfrey hosted a fundraiser for Booker at a New Jersey restaurant back in 2013. Actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck also co-hosted a fundraiser for Booker, whose guests included Affleck's wife Jennifer Garner and producer JJ Abrams.
Maybe starring in "House of Cards" inspired actress Kate Mara to get involved in politics. She tweeted out this picture after attending a fundraiser last April for the former Newark mayor.
Amazing night in DC hanging with Elaina, @maxminghella @CoryBooker and @teamvic! #Booker2014 pic.twitter.com/w2psyKyOlf
- Kate Mara (@_KateMara) April 2, 2013
In June, "Scandal" creator Shonda Rhimes hosted a fundraiser for the DNC at her home out on the West Coast. "Scandal" star Kerry Washington and President Obama attended.
Although a lot of celebrities have been endorsing Democratic candidates, Donald Trump frequently voices his support for GOP candidates on Twitter.
Just met with David Perdue @Perduesenate. He's a fantastic guy who will fight hard against ObamaCare. He will win!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 16, 2014
. @SenScottBrown is the most competitive GOP option against Obama's amnesty loving @SenatorSheehan. He can win!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2014
Retired football star Brett Favre starred in a campaign ad for Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Mississippi.
ABC News' Kirsten Appleton contributed to this report.