Recent reports  (Politico here, the Hill here) say that lobbyist sponsored holiday parties for members of Congress will be modest this year, thanks to the recession, and, some say, tougher ethics rules. However, our Party Time database nevertheless documents more than 135 congressional fundraising parties this month–and counting–several with holiday themes.

While an ethics law passed in 2007 placed new restrictions lobbyist-sponsored bashes for lawmakers, these do not apply to fundraising events. Lobbyists may host or attend fundraisers with no restrictions other than the campaign contribution limits and reporting requirements under federal campaign finance law.

Upcoming holiday-themed fundraising parties include:

• a holiday breakfast next Tuesday for Rep. Mazie Hirono at the Democratic Club townhouse;
• a holiday reception yesterday evening for Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid at the Hotel George;
• A holiday weekend in New York December 11-13 benefiting Rep. Carolyn Maloney, featuring several meals, two tickets to the Broadway production of South Pacific, and entre to “two issues breakfasts during 2010 in Washington, DC.” (Perhaps they meant 2011?) Cost is $5,000 per PAC, given or raised, or $4,800 per individual, the legal maximum.

Party Time’s database shows only 38 congressional fundraisers held in December 2008. It is difficult to say whether this year’s increase is because there is more partying, or because we’re a year away from an election instead of one month after one, or–another possiblity–because our anonymous lobbyist sources have given us more invitations this holiday season than last.

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