Not coincidentally, Mr. Norcross is the brother of George Norcross, the influential fund-raiser and one of the most powerful politicians in the state.

Gephardt aides were jubilant over the decision earlier in the week by Walter H. Shorenstein of California, one of the party's most influential fund-raisers, to endorse the Congressman.

"She's probably the most influential fund-raiser and adviser we've seen," said Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.

But some influential Democratic fund-raisers and state party chairmen believe that the party would be better off fighting Mr. Jackson now than postponing the struggle until the next primary season.

Mr. O'Mara is an influential Republican fund-raiser with close ties to Mr. Pataki.

His trip, in that regard, is something of an audition: it is stocked with private dinners with influential Republican fund-raisers and speeches to local Republican groups.

More than a year ago, Mr. Bush quietly began assembling a network of the nation's most powerful and influential Republican fund-raisers, several supporters said.

Although this is the first time he has sought elected office, he has been an influential fund-raiser for Democrats and is portrayed by supporters like Mr. Berg as "progressive on racial issues."

Mr. D'Amato's position could be especially important, both because he is an influential Republican fund-raiser and because he expressly promised to fight for the proposals rather than merely voicing some measure of support for them.