Civic fever
And there’s another great report out today from the Campaign Finance Institute (CFI) on the soft money loophole that allows donors to spend unlimited amounts of money into city “host committees” to help pay for the conventions. The U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC) says this is ok because these companies and interests supposedly are giving in the name of civic boosterism, not for political reasons.
But CFI, in partnership with the Center for Responsive Politics, points out that the expected $112 million that these committees are expected to collect comes from donors who also have a huge stake in federal policy. Together the 173 donors since 2005 have contributed $180 million to federal candidates and political parties. They’ve also spent $1.3 billion on lobbying.
Has all that cash gone toward their fervent desire to promote my home city, Denver, and the Twin Cities? Call me doubtful.
PARTYFINDER™ Hints
Beneficiary: congressional candidate, lawmaker, or entity which collects funds raised at party
Host: person who is hosting party-often, but not always, a registered federal lobbyist
Venue Name: where the party is
Entertainment Type: type of gathering, such as "breakfast," "ski trip," "bowling"
Other Lawmakers Mentioned: lawmakers mentioned on invitation who are used as a draw for the event
Sunlight's Party Time is a project to track parties for members of Congress or congressional candidates that happen all year round in Washington, D.C. and beyond. (read more)
We also post information we receive about parties where members of Congress are expected to participate—such as convention or inaugural parties.
Since we don't hear about all the parties, you can also tell us if you know where the party is and we don't.
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