Over at the Real Time Investigations project, researchers have documented which members of the House have posted their transportation earmarks online–only 83 at last counting. Now we see that a dozen of these lawmakers are the beneficiaries of transportation fundraisers since the start of the year. (See online database here, updated with party information. Edited to add: more lawmakers have added earmark information since this accounting).
Lawmakers don’t disclose who attends these events–only the campaign contributions they receive, reported weeks or even months after an event. With this inadequate disclosure, of both donors and earmarks, it’s difficult to determine whether any of the guests have a stake in a particular earmark.
• On June 16, a transportation breakfast for Rep. Philip Hare (D-WI) at Johnny’s Half Shell. Cost is $2,500 for a host, $1,000 for a PAC, $500 for an individual. Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• Also on June 16, an “agriculture and transportation & infrastructure” breakfast for Rep. Steven Kagen (D-WI), at the home of the Congressman. Cost is $2,500 for a PAC host, $1,000 for a PAC, $500 for an individual. (Kagen often hosts fundraisers at his home: see here.) Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On June 11, a transportation breakfast reception for Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) at Charlie Palmer Steak. Cost is $5,000 Chair; $2,500 Host; $1,000 Friend. Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On June 11, a transportation industry breakfast for Brett Guthrie(R-KY) at The Capitol Hill Club. Cost is $2,000 PAC Co-Host; $1,000 Individual Co-Host; $1,000 PAC; $500 Individual. Special guest is Rep. John Mica (R-FL). Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On June 8, a transportation industry reception for Rep. Mike McMahon(D-NY) at K&L Gates. Cost was $5,000; $2,500; $1,000 (presumably for host, PAC, and individual?) Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On May 11, a transportation industry reception for Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) at The Willard. Hosts are lobbyists John Milne, Al Shofe, and Chris Frech, along with the Jacobs Good Government Fund, a PAC. Cost was $2,500 for a PAC Host; $1,000 PAC; $500 Individual. Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On April 23, a transportation issues breakfast for Rep. Ed Pastor (D-AZ) at the National Democratic Club Townhouse. Cost was $1,000 for a PAC, $500 for an individual. Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On March 25, a “transportation and infrastructure” committee reception for Rep. James Oberstar(D-MN), chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,at Democratic National Headquarters. Cost was $1000 PAC; $500 Individual Donor and Spouse or Guest. Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On March 23, a reception with the transportation community for Rep. Steven Kagen (D-WI) at the Home of John Weinfurter. Cost was $2500 for a PAC Host; $1000 for a PAC Guest; and $500 Individual Guest. (John Weinfurter opens his home frequently for fundraisers. See here. ) Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On March 23, a transportation and technology breakfast discussion for Rep. Donna Edwards(D-MD) at National Democratic Club Townhouse. Cost was: $5000 PAC Host; $2500 PAC Sponsor; $1000 Guest; $500 Individual. Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On March 19, a transportation dinner for Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-TX) at Hunan Dynasty. Cost was $5,000 for a host committee, $2,000 sponsor, $1,500 individual/PAC guest. Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On March 19, a transportation industry breakfast for Rep. Harry Teague (D-NM) at the Tortilla Coast. Cost was $5000 for a PAC Host; $2500 PAC Sponsor; $1000 PAC Guest. Earmarks: couldn’t find.
• On February 24, a transportation labor dinner for Rep. Timothy Bishop (D-NY) at The Monocle. There was a $1,000 minimum contribution. Earmarks: couldn’t find.
There were two lawmakers who were feted at transportation fundraisers who actually did post their earmarks:
• On April 22, a transportation industry breakfast for Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA) at the Caucus Room. Cost was $5000 Host; $2500 Sponsor; $1000 PAC; $500 Individual. Earmarks: bingo! Altmire posts his requests on his web page, and they’re actually easy to find.
• On March 17, a transportation industry breakfast for Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) at Johnny’s Half Shell. Cost was $5000 Host; $2500 Sponsor; $1000 Guest. Earmarks: posted as text on a page via link on home page.
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.
LnddMiles said...
The best information i have found exactly here. Keep going Thank you
Comment posted: Jul 21, 2009 at 3:26 pmLeave a Comment