Newt in the Sunshine State – After coming off his victory in the South Carolina Primary win, the former speaker and presidential candidate Newt Gingrich is scheduled to attend the 2012 Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday. Gingrich is listed on the invitation as the honored guest and speaker at the fundraiser that benefits the Orange County Republican Executive Committee.

For more on upcoming presidential fundraisers, check out our fundraiser tracker.

Washington Capitals Game – Capitals and Bruins fans, Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., will be at the game tomorrow at the Verizon Center.

Happy Birthday! – Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Calif., is scheduled to be in San Diego on Thursday for a birthday celebration dinner. To wish Bilbray happy birthday in person, tickets start at $2,500 per table and $250 per person.

Breakfast of Champions – A fundraising breakfast in honor of Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., is scheduled for Tuesday. The suggested contributions start at $2,000 for PACs and $500 for individuals.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will be having a round table breakfast scheduled for Wednesday.

Since the bills’ introduction in late October, the Stop Online Piracy Act  (SOPA) (H.R. 3261) and its Senate counterpart the Protect IP Act (PIPA) (S. 968) have been met with controversy. The legislation has unleashed passions that cross party lines, as vividly illustrated in the California delegation, where the fight over SOPA has turned into battle between the North and South:  Hollywood media giants versus the heavy hitters from the tech world in Silicon Valley.

Southern California Democratic Reps. Howard Berman, Joe Baca, Karen Bass, Adam Schiff, Judy Chu and Brad Sherman and Republican Reps. Mary Bono-Mack and Elton Gallegly are proponents of the SOPA bill according to ProRepublica.

Berman has been an active supporter of SOPA since its creation. He joined Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt, and Reps. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, John Conyers, D-Mich., Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., on Capitol Hill in April for a press conference on fighting online infringement.

“The theft of American Intellectual Property not only robs those in the creative chain of adequate compensation, but it also stunts potential for economic growth, cheats our communities out of good paying jobs, and threatens future American innovation,” he said at the media event. “Today I remain as committed to this fight as ever, and I look forward to working with my colleagues – both Republicans and Democrats to protect American businesses, workers, and innovators.”

Party Time records on Berman show that he has had four fundraisers with lobbyists representing clients such as Verizon Communications, Comcast Corporation and the National Association of Broadcasters. One fundraiser in October included the Yahoo! Inc., PAC.

While Berman’s says his aim is to protect American intellectual property, his efforts also would protect a long-time and lucrative constituency in a year when the veteran lawmaker is in the fight of his political life, forced by redistricting into a battle with another powerful Democratic colleague. Berman, who has long represented parts of Hollywood as well as Studio City and Universal City, where many television shows are made, counts television, film and music among his top financial supporters, according to OpenSecrets. Those industries are also leading the fight for enactment of legislation to stop online piracy.

Another California Democrat who backs SOPA, Rep. Adam Schiff, has received contributions from of the legislation such as Comcast, Microsoft (which just announced it opposes the current draft of the bill), the Motion Picture Association of America PAC, Sony Pictures, Walt Disney, and Time Warner.

Schiff’s 29^th Congressional District, which includes Burbank, is home to Warner Brothers Studios, Disney Studios, NBC Studios, and DreamWorks Animation Studios. Party Time has the invite to Schiff’s  First Annual Weekend with the Stars fundraiser, scheduled for March in Los Angeles.

Among other SOPA supporters who have been feted by backers of the legislation:

Rep. Joe Baca: Jocelyn Hong, a Twenty-First Century Group lobbyist who represents clients such as Time Warner Cable and Verizon Communications — both SOPA supporters — has hosted two fundraisers for the California Democrat.

Rep. Mary Bono-Mack: The AT&T Federal PAC hosted a fundraiser for the Palm Springs Republican in April, with tickets ranging from $1,500 for PACs and $1,000 for individuals. The AT&T Federal PAC has given $5,000 to Bono-Mack. Other proponents of SOPA, including, but not limited the Walt Disney Productions Employees PAC, the Motion Pictures Association of America PAC, Comcast Corporation PAC had made contributions to Bono-Mack.

Of the 189 opponents of the SOPA/PIPA legislation, 9 are Democrats from northern California, home of many of the tech firms that are leading the opposition to the bills. The list includes: Reps. Anna Eschoo, Mike Honda, Zoe Lofgren, Doris Matsui, Jerry McNerney, George Miller, Jackie Speirer, Pete Stark, and the leader of the House Democrats, Nancy Pelosi.

Lobbyist Dom Ruscio was one of the hosts for a breakfast reception in June for Honda. Ruscio is a lobbyist at Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis Associates LLC and one of the clients he represents is the IBM Corporation. IBM is one of many tech companies that oppose SOPA.

Lofgren’s 16^th congressional district covers most of the Santa Clara County, which includes the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose. Lofgren’s top contributors are tech industry titans, including Google Inc., which has been a vocal opponent of SOPA.

In March, Rep. Lofgren held a Technology Industry Breakfast, with tickets starting at $2,500 for PACs and $500 for individuals.

GOP presidential hopefuls are preparing to battle for the hearts and minds of the people of South Carolina ahead of the all important primary tomorrow as they attend various fundraisers, town hall meetings and rallies to reach as many potential voters as possible.

Former Senator Rick Santorum is no exception. Santorum will be one of the special guests scheduled to attend The Patriot Dinner, hosted by The Citadel Republican Society. Tickets for tonight’s dinner start at $5,000 for the presenting sponsor (2 tables of 10) to $45.00 for general admission.

For more information on presidential fundraising events , check out Party Time’s Presidential Fundraiser Tracker.

Capitol Hill will return to its hustle and bustle this week as members of Congress return from the holidays. Many will return to their schedule of attending meetings and hearings, but they will also be attending fundraisers in what promises to be a busy election year.

South Carolina or Bust! –Presidential hopefuls Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry are scheduled to attend fundraisers benefiting local Republican parties South Carolina. On Tuesday, the Florence County Republican Party will be hosting Coffee with Gingrich and another fundraiser featuring Perry later in the day.

The candidates will be spending more time in South Carolina as the first primary of the South approaches on Jan. 21.

Showdown in Ohio – Redistricting will eliminate two seats in Ohio and in one of the cases, two separate districts now served by Democrats, Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Dennis Kucinich will be merged into one. Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in the House prepares for her battle against Kucinich with her first fundraiser of the year. She is scheduled to have a breakfast event on Wednesday.

Lunch with Sen. Reid – Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is scheduled to attend a luncheon for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in St. Louis.

As they enter 2012, both members of Congress fighting to keep their seats and challengers are stepping up their fundraising for the upcoming primaries and the general elections. Either because of redistricting or a high profile opponent, several of these office holders are looking at tight races.

In the run up to the elections, all eyes will be on the Massachusetts Senate race, between Sen. Scott Brown, who replaced Ted Kennedy after his demise, and Democratic candidate Elizabeth Warren. Brown has raised over $3.2 million in the fourth quarter in 2011. Since his Kick-off Reception and Dinner event in May 2011, Brown has had over ten fundraisers, according to Party Time Records.

Although Warren’s fundraising numbers are not in as of yet, she has been busy in 2011 and the beginning of 2012. She rung in the New Year in Salem, Mass., at an event. She also held two joint fundraisers with Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and one with Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., last year.

Due to redistricting, Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif., and his longtime ally, Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., find themselves in a battle for the San Fernando Valley. According to Party Time records, Berman had scheduled nine fundraising events since his 2012 Campaign Kick-off Breakfast in March 2011. His most recent event was a California Wine Tasting, which featured several California lawmakers including, Reps. Xavier Becerra and Joe Baca. Not to be out shined, Rep. Sherman’s list of fundraisers included a dinner featuring former Governor Michael Dukakis.

Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., is another lawmaker who may face some difficulty in his reelection bid due to redistricting. Allen’s district includes the northern edge of Palm Beach County down to north of Hollywood, Fla., in Broward County, which leans democrat. In February, Allen is scheduled to have his 1st Annual Florida Winter Trip. His event starts off with a Sunset Reception on Feb. 18, followed by a Luncheon and Golf Outing and a Mardi Gras Reception on Feb. 21. To purchase a package, which includes two tickets for both Naples and Palm Beach events will cost $2,500.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is hoping to make some gains in the Lone Star State. According to The Hill, the Republican drawn congressional map is more than likely to be thrown out prior to the next election. This would open some seats for Democrats. Two seats they are looking to target are Reps. Francisco “Quico” Canseco and Blake Farenthold. During a briefing at the National Democratic Committee headquarters DCCC Chairman, Rep. Steve Israel, D-Calif., stated that Canseco and Farenthold have “enormous vulnerability.”

Party Time only has one record of a Farenthold fundraiser that was held in June 2011. Rep. Canseco fundraisers include a Patriot Day Reception of June of last year.

As the Republican presidential contest heats up, the focus is on the close finish last week’s Iowa caucuses and Tuesday’s all-important New Hampshire primary. But the candidates have been lavishing plenty of attention elsewhere.

From fundraisers at donors’ residences and corporate offices to fancy receptions, they’re making time to show in states that historically have produced the most campaign donations, including California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas.

Click here for a list of fundraisers we’ve collected from these states.

The “ATM states” as pols sometimes dub their favorite cash cows, are proud of their status as candidate magnets.

“California is home to the largest Republican donor base upon the planet, and any well-organized candidate who’s going to work to raise money must include California,” Ron Nehring, former chairman of the state GOP told the Los Angeles Times.

One leading candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, has attended multiple fundraisers in California including one at the home of Sun Microsystems founder Scott McNealy. On Sept. 26, literary agent and now Romney adviser and finance chair, Jillian Manus Salzman hosted a lunch fundraiser for Romney at her residence.

Despite spending a lot of time prepping for the New Hampshire primary, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman hosted a luncheon at a restaurant in North Hollywood and a VIP Reception and luncheon in Los Angeles.

Florida and New York are also popular stops on the political money trail. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is scheduled to be the guest speaker at The Orange County Republican Executive Committee 2012 Lincoln Day Dinner on Jan. 28.

Party Time records show Romney holding a breakfast reception and an evening reception in New York City, a lunch reception in Orlando, Fla., and an evening event Tampa, Fla., starting last summer.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry held his Sunshine State Kickoff during the month of September, holding events in Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Palm Beach.

Candidates also have been active in South Carolina, which hosts the South’s first primary on Jan. 21.

Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., was the guest speaker at several events and fundraisers in Lake Wylie, Greenville and Berkeley. On Sept. 15, he was the guest speaker at the South Carolina Republican Party fundraiser. He also attended an Oct. 26 fundraiser that benefited the Spartanburg Republican Party.

A few days after announcing his presidential candidacy, Perry, was the special guest at the “First in the South” luncheon hosted by the South Carolina Republican Party.

Please help Sunlight build our presidential fundraising database! Submit any invitations, fundraising fliers or event information anonymously here or via email at partytime@sunlightfoundation.com

Here’s a list of upcoming and past fundraisers that presidential candidates have scheduled or that have taken place. Hover over the candidates name for details on what the suggested contribution amounts are at each of the events. This information collected using news clips and invites gives details on the amounts suggested as donations, where they were held and hosts of the fundraiser.

Help Sunlight build our presidential fundraising database by submitting invitations here or via email at partytime@sunlightfoundation.com

While members of Congress will return this week to Capitol Hill, they will also host fundraisers and travel to events across the nation to kickoff 2012 right.

Capitols vs. Penguins -Rep. Mark Critz, D-Pa. plans to raise cash on Wednesday at the NHL match-up between the Washington Capitols vs. Pittsburgh Penguins.  To join Critz, tickets start at $1,500 for PACs and $1,000 for individuals.

Goose Hunt – This weekend, Rep. Collin Peterson’s, D-Minn., Valley PAC is scheduled to host a Goose Hunt Weekend in Eagle Lake, Texas. This is not the first time the Valley PAC has hosted a bird hunt weekend. According to Party Time records, the organization has had seven similar events.

Hittin’ the Slopes – Rep. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, will head to the Sun Valley Resort in Idaho for SkiFest weekend Jan.13-14. This has been an annual event for Crapo since 2009.

GOP head to the Sunshine State – Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., is scheduled to be at the Annual Republican Majority Fund Weekend on Jan.13-14 in Palm Beach, Fla.

Orange Julius – Today, Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif., is scheduled to attend the National Orange Show Annual Awards Dinner in San Bernardino, Calif.  To join Baca at this event, tickets range from $5,000 for PACs to $99 for individual contributions. Baca’s fundraiser invitations appear frequently in the Party Time database.

Tuesday Moneymakers – Tuesday is a popular day to fundraise this week for several members of Congress. Legendary R&B singer Chaka Khan is the featured entertainment at an evening concert at the Birchmere, where Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. plans to raise cash. Cost is $85 for a ticket from Ticketmaster; Johnson is asking donors for $1,500 for one ticket, $2,500 for two.Meanwhile, Reps. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., and Mike Quigley, D-Ill., are planning fundraisers at the Washington Capitals vs. St. Louis Blues hockey game. Stearns’ event is hosted by former Texas Rep. Jack Fields, now a lobbyist for the Twenty-First Century Group, along with an AT&T lobbyist, a Verizon lobbyist, and another with the Glover Park Group. Rep. Bill Owens, D-N.Y., will be hosting a seasonal New York Apple Harvest Reception at the National Democratic Club Townhouse. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C. plans to appear at a dinner fundraiser benefiting Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Tuesday night.

Race for Massachusetts - As the Massachusetts Senate race continues to heat up,  Sen. Scott Brown continues his fundraising efforts on Wednesday as he hosts a breakfast fundraiser. To join Brown for breakfast, tickets start at $2,500 for PACs and $1,000 for individuals.

Big Easy in DC – Bringing Louisiana flavor to the nation’s capitol, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D. La., will be hosting an evening filled with sweets and treats from the Bayou at her Capitol Hill home on Wednesday.

Tired of Turkey, Try Chinese Takeout – If people are tired of Thanksgiving leftovers, they can join Rep. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., on Wednesday for Chinese Takeout. Hosts are lobbyists Dan Mattoon and Mike Zarrelli.

Texas Sized Breakfast – Originally scheduled for October 25, Rep. Silvestre Reyes, R-Texas, breakfast fundraiser has been rescheduled for this Thursday. Former Super Committee Member Rep. Xavier Becerra, R-Calif., is scheduled to attend as a special guest.

Tis’ the Season – As 2011 comes to a close, politicians are scrambling to raise money with holiday cheer. This Thursday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will be hosting a holiday party featuring Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C. This fundraiser is to benefit a long list of “Frontline Members,” including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz.

Reps. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., Melvin Watt, D-N.C., and Heath Schuler, D-N.C. will also be hosting holiday themed fundraisers on Thursday. Sewell will be having a holiday cupcakes and cocktails reception; Watt will be hosting a “holiday sip” in the evening; and Shuler will kick-off winter with a Southern reception.

Rep. Gwen Moore, D- Wis.,  is hosting a holiday concert fundraiser featuring American Idol finalist and Wisconsin native Naima Adedapo this Saturday. Attendees can pay $75 for two tickets or $50 for one ticket.

California Dreamin’ – Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., will be at Honorable Tom Reynold’s 19^th Annual Pebble Beach Golf Weekend starting Dec.2-4. The cost is $5,000 per PAC and $2,500 per individual.

Ski Weekend- Sen. Lisa Murkowski will be in Deer Valley, UT for the First Tracks Ski Trip. Murkowski has raised cash while skiing before.

For the complete list of fundraisers this week, check out Party Time.

A GOP contender for the open Texas Senate seat is making the rounds in Washington, DC, raising cash at several events hosted by lobbyists.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, R.-Texas, was scheduled to attend a reception on Monday at the town home of lobbyists Tony and Heather Podesta. The Podestas are well known fundraisers for the Democratic Party. All except for one host, Rebecca Edgar, are lobbyists for the Podesta Group, where Tony Podesta is the founder and serves at the chairman.

Yesterday, Dewhurst was due at a  meet and greet at National Association of Wholesaler Distributors. The hosts, Jade West and Dirk Van Dongen, are lobbyists at the association.  Both West and Van Dongen have given money to Republican candidates in the past. More recently, West gave a contribution of $1,000 to the Rick Perry campaign in September.  Van Dongen contributed to the Bush campaign in 2003 and 2004, and to Sen. John McCain’s campaign in 2008.

On November 21, Dewhurst was the beneficiary for a reception. Three of the five hosts are lobbyists for Ogilvy Government Relations. Ogilvy represents such clients as the American Petroleum Institute and Chevron Corp. According to Open Secrets, Dewhurst is one of the top five recipients of contributions from the oil and gas industry.

Dewhurst faces a crowded field of competitors in Texas’ March primary, but so far is in the lead according to a recent poll by the Texas Tribune. Dewhurst also leads the pack so far in fundraising, having collected $5.1 million. To date nearly all of his money has come from in-state donors.