A fundraiser for Republican presidential candidate John McCain will take place tomorrow at the home of real estate developer and Republican supporter Samuel Cummings.

Cummings--an East Grand Rapids resident who lives at 250 Plymouth Ave in a home worth at least $1.8 million--is on Senator McCain's Michigan Finance Committee. Additionally, Cummings--who owns Second Story Properties--is one of the more powerful people in Grand Rapids according to Grand Rapids Magazine. Just recently, Cummings formed a new real estate company--CWD Real Estate Investment--with Grand Rapids powerbrokers Scott Wierda and Dan DeVos. Cummings wife Janene has also made the maximum contribution--$2,300--to McCain's campaign.

The fact that Cummings is able to host a major party presidential candidate at his home speaks to his influence (initial media reports said that McCain would appear the July 2 event as well). Moreover, it is clear that Cummings is supporting McCain because he seeks to secure the disproportionate allocation of wealth that is the norm in the United States. In an email sent to McCain donors back in May, Cummings had this to say about McCain and Obama's politics:

"While, as an American, I think it a great thing that both an African-American and a woman are in contest for the highest office of the land, neither of these candidates has the experience, vision or understanding of the issues to lead our Nation through these challenging times YET, they both have a tremendous amount of support...

"Sen. Obama is setting new records with his campaign and his populist agenda will be very difficult to beat. We need to do all that we can to help Senator McCain to be ready to go head to head with either candidate and challenge their socialist 'reforms' that will threaten the individualism and freedom that is The United States and replace it with entitlement and reward for mediocrity."

Clearly, Cummings characterization of Obama's politics is flawed as Obama has advocated for no policies even remotely resembling socialism. However, they do show the extent to which wealthy individuals with a disproportionate say in the political system will go to defend their privilege--even when the so-called threat to their power is nonexistent.