Cost to attend fundraiser with Obama: $25-$50,000

ST. LOUIS

The cost to stand in the room with President Barack Obama for a fundraiser: $25. The cost for premier seating: $50,000.

Obama will be appearing before at least two groups of people March 10 when he attends a Democratic fundraiser at a St. Louis hotel.

Online invitations show people can stand at a "grassroots reception" for a $25 donation. Priority rope-line seating comes with a $500 gift.

Tickets for a cocktail reception and presidential dinner start at $2,400 per guest. For the maximum individual contribution of $35,200, donors get a photo reception with Obama and the title of an "event vice chair." But the title of "event chair" -- with premier seating -- is reserved for those who can raise at least $50,000 as a couple.

The fundraiser is being hosted by the Show Me State Victory Fund, a special committee created for the event.

The first $4,800 of each donation will go to the campaign of Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, who is up for election in 2012, said event organizer Matt Teter. The rest of the money will go to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Teter said.

Missouri's 2010 U.S. Senate race -- featuring Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan -- is expected to be one of the most competitive nationally and is likely to receive support from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

The leading Republican in the Senate race is U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt. The seat is open this year because longtime GOP Sen. Kit Bond is not seeking re-election.

Teter said more than 1,000 people are expected for the fundraiser featuring Obama.