Let them call him “sweetheart”
This morning Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY), under much scrutiny for possible ethics violations, was scheduled for his third annual Valentines Day breakfast hosted by a slew of Ernst & Young lobbyists. Ticket prices were $1,000 for individuals, $2,500 for PACs–same as it cost last year. (We hope they are saving some cash on design–the two invitations are in the exact same format.)
The accounting powerhouse Ernst & Young runs a major lobbying operation, collecting nearly $13 million for its efforts last year alone. In the past the firm got some unwanted attention for marketing tax shelters that were perhaps a bit too creative. As the invitation so helpfully points out, Rangel is the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, the locus point for decision making on taxes.
Why is Rangel busy raising money, so far out from election time? He never has much opposition. However, he’s quite generous at spreading around his campaign money with his colleagues–a tried and trued method of gaining, and retaining, chairmanships. These days he also needs cash for legal fees.
TweetPARTYFINDER™ 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
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