Michelle Obama to visit Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's not often Massachusetts ends up in the spotlight during a presidential election.

It's not a swing state, and historically Democrats prevail.

But on August third a visit from Michelle Obama will change that.

Dr. Bobbie Rennix of Springfield said, “I think it will energize voters and it will bring the attention to the presidency and to President Obama and the election."

The first lady will start the day in Springfield with a fundraising luncheon.

Then head to the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield for a fundraising concert with James Taylor and end at at roundtable at Governor Deval Patrick's home in the Berkshires.

However, the event at the Basketball Hall of Fame is definitely not for everyone with tickets at $2,500 per person."

Political Consultant Tony Cignoli said, “It's about money, these visits are definitely about money right now, the disparity between the Republicans and Democrats as far as raising money in this presidential race is immense, the democrats are very, very far behind. ”

And a 2010 Supreme Court decision is making money even more a part of this year's campaign.

The Citizens United ruling allows corporations, unions and individuals spend as much as they like to support or oppose political candidates.

That means Michelle Obama's visit could bring in a lot more than $2,500 a head.

Veronica Tracks said, “I think that money could be used much wiser than to give it to the president to become another president if we are voting we're voting for the person not for the campaigns that they're running

The latest reports show that Republican Mitt Romney raised $106 million in June.

President Obama raised $71 million.