The life of a lawmaker is TOUGH. Take it from Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who recently lamented the “soul-crushing” fundraising every congressmember has to do to survive! Murphy spoke of the dreaded call time, where he sat in a room for four to five hours a day dialing up constituents and begging for money. But Chris, what about the parties!? Tell me you haven’t had fun at the 20+ fundraisers over the past couple years — remember MURPHYPALOOZA back in 2010? Of course you don’t, because that party was awesome! So lighten up, and party on — all your friends are doing it!

We’ve got a full slate of parties this week, as politicians continue that wonderful tradition of fundraising. Check out the highlights below:

Gun Raffles — A Good Idea to Some People
Maryland Delegate Don Dwyer, R-Anne Arundel County, has had some bad ideas in the past, but PT thinks he’s on to something here with Saturday’s Gun Rights and Liberty BBQ and Gun Raffle. While you’re off celebrating liberty, you can enter in the raffle to win either an AR-15 or an AK-47! The best part: tickets only cost $5! And you can buy up to 10 of them! I like those odds, partiers. And don’t worry — PT checked this out before and it’s all legal. The festivities take place tomorrow at Kurtz Beach in Pasadena, Md., but the guns won’t be handed out until July 6. Just one problem with that: Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley ’s gun control bill outlawing certain high-powered rifles, including AR-15s and AK-47s, is scheduled to be signed on May 16. Hmm, looks like Dwyer’s gonna need a really good idea to get around this one.

Guess Who’s Fundraising at a Taylor Swift Concert?
People one would expect to see at the upcoming Taylor Swift concert: a billion teenage girls, many of Swift’s ex-boyfriends who are inevitably trying to win her back, depressed dads of tweens not old enough to go alone — and wait, who’s that? It’s Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky. of course! The Bluegrass State lawmaker will be inviting PACs to attend the show at D.C.’s Verizon Center for the low, low price of $1,000. Guthrie doesn’t care if it doesn’t look manly — he’s fearless.

Hello Again, Cory Booker
Newark Mayor Cory Booker seems to be a well-liked guy — he saves people from burning buildings, shovels others’ driveways, and rescues their dogs. So it’s no surprise that some old Yale Law School pals will be hosting a reception and dinner for Booker on Monday night. The fete will take place at the NYC home of (surprise) lawyer Jacob Buchdahl, costing guests either $5,200 or $2,600 depending on how good of a friend you want to be to Booker. You might want to consider the higher price point — it might be you he rescues next!

Lamar Alexander’s Second and Third Winds
Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has been fundraising up a storm recently, and the funder forecast predicts his torrential downpour of parties continuing to rain down through next week. Extended metaphors aside, Alexander starts his week on Tuesday with a double-header: first he’ll grab lunch at Charlie Palmer’s, then five hours later he’ll rush to the Monocle for a dinner hosted by Honeywell’s PAC, among others. Both events have tabs of up to $2,500/PAC and $1,000/person. But he’s not done yet — on Thursday he’ll go back to Charlie Palmer’s for another lunch, again costing $2,500/PAC and $1,000/person. Alexander is pushing the party meter through the roof, but he’s gotta mix it up — though PT admits it’s hard to follow up a gun raffle and Taylor Swift concert…

Heller Is Still Looking Back on 2012
While most politicians are fundraising for future campaigns — some as far off as 2016 — at least one senator is looking back on 2012, and not in a good way. Dean Heller, R-Nev., still has some debt leftover from his hard-fought campaign —  ”some” meaning over $575,000. So it’s a smart move on his part to host a debt retirement luncheon on Thursday at Capitol Hill spot Bistro Bis. To grab a shovel and dig Heller out of this hole, guests can contribute up to $2,500/PAC or $1,000/person.

Weekend Getaways!
Summer weather finally looks like it’s here to stay, so lawmakers are pouncing on the opportunity to rake in some cash next weekend. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., is rolling his supporters away to Virginia for a Weekend at the Tides Inn. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, the Tides Inn can provide guests with golf, spa treatments, boating and more. But guests will have to pony up at least $5,000 to go on this vacation.

Next up is Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who is hosting a Phillies Keystone Weekend for his supporters. The highlight of the weekend will be Casey’s hometown Phillies taking on the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon, but other events could be on the itinerary as no schedule was released. No price points were released either, so if you’ve got the info send it along this-a-way.

Finally, Rep. GK Butterfield, D-N.C., will trounce these other two by whisking his guests off to tour the island of Bermuda. The trip costs guests a mere $2,500 — half of what you’d pay to accompany Sen. Shelby to Virginia! Talk about a good deal, Partiers.

Unlike the Washington party circuit, some things must come to an end. After many months of writing up Party Time posts, my time has run its course in this space. But fear not! I have a suspicion that the next Party Animal here will bring to this blog a great sense of humor, politics — and, most importantly, snark. Until next time, Partiers!

Have you ever worked a full month without any scheduled days off? If so, congratulations — you’re not a member of Congress! America’s favorite lawmaking body is going on Spring Break Part 2 — because the first one seemed pretty fun – taking the next week off to rest from all their exhausting labors — not passing any sort of gun legislation, letting the sequester wreak havoc on the economy and continually ignoring budget negotiations have really taken its toll on our lawmakers. But if there’s one thing we can count on Congress to do well, it’s fundraising of course! The Democratic money machines both set all-time records for first quarter earnings, with the House arm raking in $22.6 million and the Senate arm $13.7 million. The GOP committees didn’t do so badly either, collecting $17.5 million in the first quarter for the House and $5.3 million for the Senate. If only Congress was as good at lawmaking as its members are at cash collecting…

Unfortunately for Party Time, the break means our database looks something like this for next week. We’re thinking there’s some partying going on outside the Beltway and someone (maybe Y-O-U?) forgot to send us the invites. It’s never too late! Put ‘em here.

But we still have several parties of note coming up, featuring recurring favorite Cory Booker, the resilient Sen. Roger Wicker and the S.C. GOP’s annual dinner. Look below for the details.

Surprise, It’s Cory Booker… Again
Newark Mayor Cory Booker has become one of PT’s most frequent partiers, scheduling 13 funders from March through May — it’s almost become a weekly segment here! The flush but not-yet official candidate for the Garden State’s soon-to-be vacated U.S. Senate seat is not showing any signs of slowing down, as he’ll be the beneficiary of two events in the Windy City on the same night at the same time! Starting at 5:00 p.m. and lasting until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday is a VIP Reception at the chic eatery Untitled, which you know is hip because they serve things like “whipped trout” in Mason jars. Guests will pony up $2,000-$750 for the VIP portion, or as little as $75 for the general festivities.

But if that isn’t your scene, perhaps you’ll see Booker (or more likely his clone) at an Evening Cocktail Reception that same day from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. — a half-hour before the previous event is supposed to end! It’s happening at the home of Barbara Goodman Manilow, a tried and true blue donor who has hosted high-dollar parties for Obama before. This event is on the more expensive side, costing guests anywhere from $5,000 to $1,000 for entrance. But if Booker can save people from burning buildings, he can probably get to both events.

The Silver Elephant Dinner with a Side of Drama
Every year the South Carolina GOP hosts a famous fundraising banquet called the Silver Elephant Celebration — but this year’s joyous evening hit a snag before it even started. It appears that Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., wanted to keynote the event, a chance to win friends and influence people in a state that is always crucial in the presidential nominating process, but the state party invited freshman craze Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, instead. Paul’s chief of staff even called the Palmetto State’s Republican chairman to “express his disappointment.” Ouch.

The show will still go on, and Friday’s 46th Annual Silver Elephant Celebration will honor former Sen. Jim DeMint, the Tea Party darling currently heading the conservative Heritage Foundation. Various price points come with perks: the maximum $8,000 gift reserves a table for 10, with tickets to a pre-reception and photo-op with Cruz and — if you can believe it — your name in the commemorative program! Shocking, we know. But if you can somehow possibly resist that, general admission is only $75. No word on whether former Rep. and Gov.-turned-congressional candidate Mark Sanford will be attending — either quietly at a table by himself, or with new friend Cardboard Pelosi.

Vitter’s Off to the Races
Break out the floppy hats and fix up some mint juleps because the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby takes place next weekend! As he has done in the past, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., will be using that time for a multi-day fundraising field trip to Churchill Downs. Event specifics are fuzzy, but the most important info — the cost —  is right on the invite; guests will have to (bad pun alert!) pony up $5,000 per couple for this ride.

Wicker Bravely Parties On
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., had quite a scare last week, as a letter intended for him tested positive for the poison ricin. Luckily that plot was foiled, and the incident isn’t holding Wicker back from his busy fundraising schedule. He’s hosting a Weekend at the Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, Miss., where guests will take part in activities such as golf, blues trails, museums, spas and even cooking classes. Sounds like attendees will be getting their money’s worth at least! Prices for the weekend are $2,500 PAC, $1,500 personal.

Check in next week when Congress gets back to partyi — er, we mean work — for more fundraising news.

(Photo credit: KeepingAmericaGreat.com)

After this past week, America really needs a party to cheer up. Answering the call, several members of Congress are planning fundraising events as the 2014 races heat up — and maybe some early rumblings of 2016. In fact, the PT calendar shows almost 30 parties happening next week! From Republicans to Democrats, incumbents to candidates, everyone is looking to stuff their coffers for the upcoming elections. Boy, the cycle seems to start earlier and earlier…

Without further ado, next week’s funders coming up!

Obama Partying in Dallas for the DNC
President Obama will be in Texas next week for the opening of George W. Bush’s library grand opening, but that might not be the highlight of his trip. On Wednesday, the day before Bush’s ceremony, the president and first lady will head to the Dallas home of Naomi Aberly for a $10,000 dinner benefiting the Democratic National Committee. Aberly is an Obama bundler and huge democratic donor, contributing over $600,000 to various blue causes, including $138,000 to the DNC, and is one of the early funders of Organizing for Action, the new nonprofit group supporting Obama’s second term agenda. The invite is MIA – so send it in to PT if you’ve got it!

Colbert Squared
Things ain’t looking good for Mark “Mr. Appalachian” Sanford. The NRCC has now distanced itself from the race, depriving Sanford of its dollars, after he allegedly trespassed at his ex-wife’s home, where he watched the Super Bowl with his son; fellow GOPers refuse to talk about him; and the Colbert Busch fundraising machine churns onward. Big brother funny man Stephen Colbert returns for a Tuesday morning breakfast at the NYC home of Sallie Krawcheck, a former prominent Wall Street executive who boasts a Twitter feed with over 14,000 followers. Also in attendance will be Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., as well as DCCC chair Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y. Tickets cost up to $10,000, but guests can catch a sneak peek of Stephen out of character for as little as $500!

Booker’s “Special Evenings” for Senate
Newark Mayor Cory Booker will make a couple of withdrawals in the ATM state of California with two events this week. On Thursday, he’ll benefit from a LA Special Evening at the home of movie producer Jerry Weintraub, who already contributed $5,000 to Booker’s own CoryPAC in 2011. But he’s not the only Hollywood megastar/megadonor to be listed on the invite. many of whom helped kickstart President Obama’s historically well-stocked campaign. The host committee boasts director Steven Spielberg, actor Bruce Willis, producer JJ Abrams, director Rob Reiner and more. Tickets are a mere $5,000 to be in the presence of cinema greatness! The next night, Booker will head up to NorCal for a San Francisco Special Evening at the Law Offices of Keker and Van Nest; both namesake partners, John Keker and Robert Van Nest, have given tens of thousands to Democratic causes. This evening is not as special, as prices to get in range from $5,000 to a relatively cheap $250.

Funders for swing-vote senators
After Manchin-Toomey deal to expand background checks fell apart on Wednesday, it left many questioning what will happen to the future of gun control legislation in the U.S. Several key senators will be hosting parties next week where they may have to deal with these questions and more:

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.:  One of the namesake sponsors of the amendment, Toomey may be feeling especially down, but cheer up — money’s on the way! The former head of the Club for Growth is holding a Wednesday dinner at Capitol Hill hotspot Acqua al 2. You can comfort Toomey with as much as $2,000 in campaign cash.
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La.: Landrieu is a vulnerable Democrat up for re-election in a red-state, which is why her “yes” vote (even when the amendment looked doomed) surprised many. She may faces questions about her vote during the Annual Big Easy Weekend in New Orleans, which might not be so easy after all. For $5,000, guests can enjoy some slick jazz, dinner on Bourbon Street and more.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine: Collins was one of only four Republicans who voted in favor of the Machin-Toomey deal and she too will be mingling with donors at a Wednesday luncheon. It’s located at the American Trucking Association, and is sponsored by several construction groups — not so coincidentally, Collins sits on a subcommittee for military construction. PACs can pay up to $2,500 to get in, and individuals up to $1,000.
Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.: Democrats hoped Ayotte would be a crucial swing vote on Manchin-Toomey; however, she ended up going against the measure. She’s headed to D.C. fundraising paradise Johnny’s Half Shell for a breakfast on Wednesday, where prices for PACs escalate to $2,000 and individuals $1,000.

Rubio for 2016?
Senator and GOP Golden Boy Marco Rubio of Florida has been mentioned as a potential presidential contender about a billion times now. Whether or not those rumors hold any truth, he has certainly been fundraising like he’s running for president — bringing in $2.3 million in the first quarter — and his pace continues this week with a Young Professionals Reception at the Oracle Townhouse in DC. PT isn’t sure what kind of “young professionals” can pony up the maximum asking price of $2,500, but guests can also get in for a more reasonable $250.

Until next week, Partiers.

Famed Chicago Sun-Times movie critic Roger Ebert died yesterday, taking with him the vast majority of mankind’s opinion on film. Whether he was critiquing bombs like Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (“Speaking in my official capacity as a Pulitzer Prize winner, Mr. Schneider, your movie sucks.”), or praising an all-time great like Citizen Kane (“It is one of the miracles of cinema that in 1941 a first-time director; a cynical, hard-drinking writer; an innovative cinematographer, and a group of New York stage and radio actors were given the keys to a studio and total control, and made a masterpiece.”), Ebert will always be remembered for telling it like it is.

Party Time honors him today with a special edition round up: “I’ll See You At the Parties.”

Booker’s Back
In Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s latest fundraiser, the viewer sees the continuation of a months-long identity crisis — a man struggling to transition from the small-screen to the big-screen. Now Booker stars in a new production titled “NYC Cocktail Reception,” which will be released on Tuesday. With a $1,000 price tag, it’s hosted and directed by Barry Coller, whom you may know in his current recurring role as Physician-in-Chief at Rockefeller University Hospital. This fundraiser is part of a larger story about expectations, and one man’s journey to achieve them — or  boldly renounce them. Much like Ben Braddock choosing between “plastics” and Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate, Booker faces his own dilemma: will he continue on his path to the Senate as everyone believes, or will he reject this and spend his days in Newark? This exclusive funder film may help viewers find out.

Republican Double Features Are Must-See Entertainment
Three GOP senators will be starring in double fundraising features this week, so save up some money, viewers. One doubleheader comes to us from Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla. His first feature, “Transportation Lunch,” premiers at the American Trucking Association townhouse on Thursday and is hosted by the PACs of the American Trucking Association and the Road & Transport Builders Association — both of which donated to Inhofe in the last election. It’s an outright masterpiece; a complicated love story full of entangled, embattled characters competing over the Oklahoman’s affection — and his lawmaking power. A touching study of the dynamic human-PAC relationship, this funder comes with an entry price of up to $2,500 for committees, $1,000 for individuals. Inhofe displays his acting chops by switching to a campy project called “The 2nd Annual Striper Fishing Tournament” that starts on Friday and ends the next day. Full of action, excitement, laughs and (literally) boatloads of money, it’s a G-rated event that’s fun for the whole family. If you can afford to bring your whole family to something that costs $1,500 per person and $3,000 per PAC.

A veteran of the party circuit, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, will also be unveiling two funders this week. The first is his highly-anticipated “Breakfast with Special Guest Sen. Ron Johnson,” out on Tuesday, where two mega-stars team up to generate some serious moolah for Hatch’s leadership PAC. Expect a strong acting performance from Hatch, who has a multitude of experience in fundraising performances over the years. This funder exposes Hatch as a character not without his flaws, one that has a profound void that exists within — one that can only be filled with cash. To help him achieve self-actualization, guests may pay a maximum of $5,000. And PT could not forget the spellbinding epic “Breakfast,” a magnum opus that allows viewers to feel the invigorating touch of life itself. Directed and hosted by major drug distributor AmeriSourceBergen, this Thursday funder promises to be one of the major events of the year. For a maximum contribution of $5,000, viewers can bask in the glory that is “Breakfast.”

Continuing the funder film festival is a Tuesday “Reception” starring Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., with an ensemble cast of famous lobbyists: John Milne, Roy Coffee, Allen Shofe and more. The sequel arrives the very next day, as Alexander will reprise his role as “Senator from Tennessee” with “Breakfast“ at Mastercard worldwide. Mastercard also picks up a director credit, as they are hosting the event. Both of these flicks are on the expensive side, costing up to $2,500 per PAC and $1,000 per person. Alexander is quickly becoming an A-lister by starring in no fewer than 10 funders this year alone.

Fleetwood Mac Concert a Triumph for Guthrie, Shimkus
Legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac rolls into D.C. on Tuesday for a thought-provoking Verizon Center concert that a couple lawmakers are using to raise some cash. The first event stars Rep. Brett Guthrie as a rigid Republican from Kentucky, who nevertheless reveals himself to be unequivocally, undeniably human throughout the evening. This event forces the viewer to realize that no one can escape the power of music, not even uptight Washington suits — and it makes for a great party. PACs can get a ticket to this special evening for just $1,000.

Guthrie’s co-star is Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., his own party a tour-de-force that is not to be missed. The deep, symbiotic relationship between Shimkus and Fleetwood Mac fills the viewer with audacious hope: Hope for boatloads of cash, hope for re-election in 2014. Shimkus has added an element of neo-noir mystery to the fundraiser, as PT has no idea how much it costs. If anyone can snag a pair of tickets to this concert funder, share with us here!

All these fundraisers scored a rock-solid two thumbs up. Remember, folks: There’s no good party too long, and no bad party short enough. See you at the parties!

Photo courtesy of Rebert via Wikimedia Commons

Next week Congress continues its extended Easter break, because, you know, members almost had to work a whole month straight! Luckily for you Party Time never takes a week off, but that does mean the calendar is still looking slimmer than usual. However, the parties that are scheduled for next week have some serious heavy hitters involved — Barack “Partier-In-Chief” Obama, Marco “I lost the presidency because I forgot how to drink” Rubio and Cory “What’s Newark?” Booker. Check out the highlights below.

Obama Cashes In While Out West
Last month the President announced he would be back on the fundraising trail, trying to help the Democrats take back a majority in the House in 2014 — now those high-profile funders have arrived. Next week the PIC has got four events crammed into Wednesday and Thursday, all occurring in the political gold mine of San Francisco. Obama will start things off with a $5,000 cocktail reception at the home of environmentalist billionaire Tom Steyer — sounds normal so far, right? Well it turns out this party might get a little awkward due to Steyer’s firm opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline, a project Obama may allow to go forward. To make matters worse, Obama’s environmental woes will follow him to his next event, and by woes we mean a crowd of about 2,000 climate activists in protest of the pipeline. They’ll be harassing the president at a $32,400 per plate dinner at the home of billionaire Gordon Getty, whose house hopefully has enough land around it to keep the protesters at bay. Both of these parties will benefit the DCCC, and it comes at a critical time — the group is currently listing more than $10 million in debt. PT hasn’t got its hands on these invites, so if you’ve managed to snag them upload them to us here!

The next day, Mr. PIC will be doing double sessions again, starting out at 9:30 with a $32,400 brunch somewhere in San Fran. The intimate affair is limited to only 30 seats, so it promises some serious quality time with the prez. Just an hour and a half later, Obama will hightail it over to an early lunch at the home of philanthropists John and Marcia Goldman. Prices are $1,000 to get in, at least $5,000 for a photo opp, and $20,000 to co-chair the event. Both of these parties will directly benefit the Democratic National Committee.

No Rest for Rubio
While many of his fellow lawmakers are relaxing from the hectic party schedule, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., actually decided to ramp it up by holding two funders next week. On Monday he’ll be in Chicago for a reception and private dinner at the home of business executive Judson Green. It’s $1,000 for a couple to attend the reception, but the private dinner afterwards will max out at $10,400. If you’ve got your hands on the invite you know what to do! On Friday, Rubio will head home to the Sunshine State for a Weekend at the Biltmore Hotel, a resort destination outside of Miami. For party-poopers only wanting to stay Friday (dubbed the “Havana Nights” package, even though it is only one night), it’s $2,500. But for party animals staying the whole crazy weekend, it’ll run you anywhere from $10,000 to $5,000.

Booker Still Won’t Admit It
Although the world’s worst-kept secret is still technically unconfirmed, the Cory Booker for Senate committee continues to travel the country raising copious amounts of cash. Booker is heading back inside the beltway on Monday for a Young Professionals Reception at the hip Adams Morgan bar Jack Rose. There’s sure to be fixed gear bicycles, cuffed jeans and lots of PBR to go around. And if that doesn’t get you, then maybe the prices will — the event is appropriately cheaper than most funders, with $40 tickets available. Don’t miss this chance to be hip with the hippest mayor (for now) around!

That’s all for now. Make sure to check back next week when the lawmakers — and the parties — return in full force!

Photo courtesy of Chuck Kennedy via Wikimedia Commons.

As February turns to March, isn’t spring supposed to melt away the snow and warm the air? Not exactly, it seems. (Oh, and thanks for nothing you stupid groundhog.) We may not be able to count on Mother Nature anymore, but another, more predictable season is in full-swing — fundraising time! PT’s calendar is once again stuffed with parties as politicians awake from their winter slumbers, primed to rake in the big bucks like a newly-awakened bear foraging for honey. It’s a busy week ahead, so without further ado, check the highlights for next week.

The Colbert Bump: Part 2
Just one day after stumping for big sis Lulu in the Big Apple, Stephen Colbert will be at it again on Saturday — this time in their home state of South Carolina. The first part of the night includes a private reception and bowling at The Alley in downtown Charleston, with prices up to $2,600 to get in. If you’d like a more intimate experience with the Rev. Dr. Colbert, follow the pack to a private dinner at a restaurant-to-be-named-later — you could even get your copy of America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t personally signed! Expect to shell out $5,200 to attend this event — and watch out for those just out of hibernation, newly-awakened bears!

Welcome to the Club, Tim
“Hey there, freshly-appointed Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and welcome to the upper chamber! It’s so nice to have you. Now get fundraising.” This is the message Scott received, and he heard it loud and clear — he’s got five fundraisers coming up in the next few weeks already. His first forays come at a luncheon on Feb. 26 at the townhouse of Fluor Corp., a global engineering and construction firm. Looks like Scott has picked up on the senatorial partying habits just fine! Price for admission is up to $2,000 PAC and $1,000 personal.

Go West, Emanuel!
Chicago Mayor and former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has recently seen his approval ratings suffer — only 2% of Chicagoans surveyed said they strongly approve of his performance. Although the invite merely says it’s “honoring” Emanuel, maybe the mayor should whisk himself away to the Bay Area for a dinner reception at the home of Doug and Lisa Goldman, the uber-rich founders of the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund. Attendance is $500 across the board. Perhaps the brief respite would heal his aching feelings — or maybe he just doesn’t care at all.

Fitzpatrick Tries Again — This Time With Boehner
Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., hasn’t had the best of luck with partying. During the 2011 inauguration of Congress, he missed the official swearing-in ceremony to attend a reception that was possibly for fundraising. This ran afoul of certain rules in the Constitution, one of them requiring that the oath be taken within proximity of the Speaker. Well, Fitzpatrick isn’t going to let the speaker out of his sight because Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, is going to be at his Feb. 27 reception at the Capitol Hill Club. Prices for admission run from $5,000 to $500.

Rubio Takes a Swig
You may have seen Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., giving the rebuttal to President Obama’s State of the Union — one part in particular, at least. The infamous “water bottle” incident, where Rubio awkwardly paused to quench his thirst, looked bad at first, but he’s turned this one around by selling over $100,000 in “Rubio” branded water bottles. And he’s adding to that by hosting a Feb. 27 dinner benefitting his Reclaim America PAC at Wolfgang Puck’s The Source. Attendees will have to pony up $5,000 to get in — and please, don’t slurp your water.

…And Markey’s Off!
Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., the frontrunner to fill the Massachusetts Senate seat vacated by John Kerry, is officially starting the race by hosting a Kick-Off Reception on the last day of February. He’s been campaigning for several weeks, but everyone knows it’s not a race until the partying begins. Look for many more Markey fundraisers to pour in the next several weeks as this heats up. In fact, the PT database already has several lined up. The Boston-based party includes a luxurious 30-minute pre-reception, where prices rise as much as $10,000, but sticking to the normal deal only goes for $500-$100.

Christie Keeps Up the Pace
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie has been keeping a relatively active fundraising schedule, including a stint out west that included a high-profile party with Facebook billionaire Mark Zuckerberg. And all this money-grubbing comes despite his overwhelming odds to win re-election and his already healthy pile of change. Even so, he’s showing little sign of slowing up — on Feb. 28, Christie is enlisting the help of fellow Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia for a dinner reception. The McLean, Va. event has an asking price of $3,800.

Murkowski Mushes
Only the intrepid will venture out to Republican Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s latest fundraiser — three days traveling through the Alaskan tundra following the 41st Iditarod dog-sled race. Called the “Last Great Race on Earth,” the course travels over 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, and competitors face wind chills as low as -100 degrees. And the record time to complete this event is about 8 1/2 days. Is it worth the $3,000 PAC/$1,000 personal to attend? Count us out.

Wasserman Schultz Takes You Out to the Ballgame
If you’d rather enjoy the sunny weather of Florida instead of freezing cold of Alaska, then Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz may have the fundraiser for you! She’s hosting a Spring Training Weekend to celebrate the start of America’s pastime. Unfortunately, the two teams playing are the Phillies and the Yankees, so most every baseball fan will probably be booing both teams. Either way, this weekend trip also includes a welcome reception and spa events that will be more enjoyable than seeing the Yankees play. Prices for this event run up to $5,000 for PACs and $2,500 for individuals and will benefit Wasserman Schultz’s leadership PAC, Democrats Win Seats. Is there a way for both teams to lose?

Until next time, Partiers!

(Photo credit: iStockphoto.com)

The terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad sequester is back again to wreak financial havoc on the American people. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said it would cripple our borders; Secretary of State John Kerry warned it would impair vital foreign missions; NASA officials cautioned that it would further slash their budget to about $13; and the White House itself claimed the reductions would essentially decimate the middle class. This paralyzing firestorm of automatic spending cuts — upwards of $1 trillion over the next 10 years — is set to ignite on March 1, so what Congress is doing to prevent this potential economic catastrophe?

They’re taking the week off: A quick look at the House and Senate calendars shows that both chambers have hung “Gone Fishin’“ signs on their office doors. There are plans to avert the sequester, but with only 10 days until the clock expires it may be too late. But maybe America doesn’t have to worry; Congress may just delay the self-imposed cuts, as they have done over and over (and over) again.

Unfortunately for Party Time, the Congressional break also means a break from our favorite activity. There is a lengthy valley amongst the grey peaks of the PT calendar, but some persistent lawmakers will be forging onward to generate some green. Check out the highlights below, Partiers.

Dukakis lends a hand to Brad Sherman — again
Former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis will be a featured guest at a Feb. 21 dinner reception for Brad Sherman, D-Calif. The pair seem to be old friends, as Dukakis has made several appearances for Sherman in the past, such as this 2008 reception and this 2011 dinner.This event is to help Sherman retire some serious debt after defeating fellow Democrat Howard Berman twice; once in the primary and again in the general election due to California’s new rule where the top two vote-getters compete — regardless of party. And Sherman sure has a hole to dig himself out of — he accrued over $800,000 worth of debt in the last cycle, and has less than $50,000 cash on hand. If you’d like to help Sherman out, contributions range from $5,000 to $500.

NRSC takes a holiday
The chills of winter seem to be getting to the NRSC, so they’re leaving the cold behind, traveling to sunny Palm Beach for their annual NRSC Winter Retreat. The destination for this weekend trip is the luxurious Breakers resort, where featured activities include deep sea fishing, golf at the Ocean Course, spa trips and more. The retreat is for PACs only, and is priced at $15,000/$5,000. However, the event has filled up completely and all rooms are sold out — maybe next year, slow pokes.

The Colbert Bump
The Rev. Sir Doctor Sen. Stephen T. Mos Def Colbert, D.F.A., Heavyweight Champion of the World, Ph.D will be stumping for his own sister in a two-part fundraising event on Feb. 22. Elizabeth Colbert Busch, or Lulu as she’s known in the Colbert household, has her eyes set on the South Carolina congressional seat vacated by Tim Scott, and her TV personality brother is hyping her on the Colbert Report and on the road. Part one involves a reception with Stephen at a private residence in New York City’s Upper West Side and is priced up to $2,600; Part two whisks you to the swanky Boulud Sud restaurant where guests will be treated to a chef’s dinner and personalized book signing, costing $5,200. No word on which Stephen Colbert will show — the Democrat, or the Republican… (Sis, BTW, is running as a Democrat.)

Weekends in winter out west in Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the most beautiful states in America, and the Tetons make a great backdrop to any fundraiser. So it’s no surprise that Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both Republicans from the Equality State, are taking advantage of their time away from Washington to throw funders out in the mountains. Enzi’s hosting a Dinner in the Tetons on Feb. 22 that features fellow Wyomingite Barrasso. It takes place at the Snake River Lodge and Spa, named after an actual river that actually looks like a snake. Tickets to the dinner cost $2,500 for PACs and $1,000 for individuals.

But something fishy is up: Sen. Barrasso is hosting his own Sixth Annual Winter Snow Fling from Feb. 22-23, the same time as Sen. Enzi’s party. Wait a minute, how could Barrasso be at both places at once? Easy — they’re both at the Snake River Lodge! It appears Barrasso will be taking a moment to help out his fellow Wyomingite, then continue on with his own weekend funder — what a party animal.

Until next time, Partiers!

Unless you live under a rock and/or are dead, you know the 47th Super Bowl takes place this weekend! Whether you’re “Kaepernicking” in support of the 49ers (hint: You’re not) or swear by the Ravens’ so-intense-he-can’t-even-keep-the-drool-in-his-mouth Ray Lewis, the “Harbowl” is shaping up to be a classic. Party Time is usually pumped up for the big game because it can be a hotbed for political fundraisers, yet this year we’ve had no such luck — not a single Super Bowl event! If you’ve got the scoop on one please let us know by uploading it here!

So, what’s the PT pick for the next NFL champion? We’re going with the 49ers, because QB Colin Kaepernick isn’t just playing for NFL prestige, the Vince Lombardi trophy or even a trip to Disney World — he’ll get free Red Robin FOR LIFE if he wins. With all the gourmet burgers and bottomless steak fries he can eat as motivation, Joe Flacco and the birds have got no chance.*

There are lots of parties going on next week, however, and PT has you covered like Bernard Pollard. Check the highlights below:

Stockman Shakes Things Up
Boy, Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas, sure is shaking things up in his return to Congress. The ultra-conservative first voted against John Boehnor, R-Ohio, for House Speaker, then threatened to impeach President Obama over potential gun regulations, comparing him to Saddam Hussein. After making enemies on both sides of the aisle, he thinks now is a good time to start fundraising. Stockman’s holding a reception on Feb. 4 at The Monocle near Capitol Hill that will run PACs $2,000/$1,000 and guests $1,000/$500.

Cornyn’s Birthday BBQ
The new senior Senator of Texas, Republican John Cornyn, has also been making waves in Washington recently. He’s holding firm against immigration reform, was one of only three to vote against new secretary of state John Kerry, and is leading the charge against former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel for defense secretary. Democrats claim Cornyn is on “Cruz-control,” being heavily influenced by freshman Tea Party sweetheart Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in the hopes of avoiding a primary challenge in 2014. Will supporters buy into this new even more conservative version of Cornyn? Will inside-the-beltway donors care either way? We’ll see at his Birthday BBQ Kick-Off Reception, where PACs are expected to shell out as much as $5,000 and individuals as much as $2,500.

Bluegrass Bucks
Cornyn will be busy the next day fundraising, but not for himself. Along with fellow Republican Sens. John Barrasso, Wyo., John Thune, S.D., Roy Blunt, Mo., and Jerry Moran, Kan., Cornyn will be out in support of their boss, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. The so-called “Bluegrass Committee” is holding a $1,000 reception benefitting McConnell’s leadership PAC on friendly grounds, the offices of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Mitch must be awfully worried about 2014 — this is his seventh fundraiser since the election just a couple months ago.

1st High-Dollar Event of 2013 Is Here
While the NRSC rents out its building to McConnell, it will be generating some green of its own with a dinner at the Caucus Room. Newly-minted NRSC Chairman Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., will be attending, as will finance chair Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and up-and-comer Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H. The event is hosted by lobbying powerhouse Akin Gump, which contributed almost $900,000 to political candidates this past election, and they’re expecting big bucks in return: A suggested maximum of $15,000 per PAC, and a minimum of $2,500 for individuals.

Dems Get 2014 Campaigns Underway
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., could face a tough battle for re-election in 2014 as a blue politician in an increasingly red state. But she isn’t going into the fight unprepared, as recent financial filings indicate that Landrieu has over $2.5 million in her coffers. Yet she isn’t content with that, throwing a fundraising luncheon on Feb. 6 at the offices of law/lobbying firm Baker Donelson in D.C. The food better be delicious, as the event is $2,500 to host, $1,000 to attend.

Another Democrat running in 2014 is Colorado Sen. Mark Udall. But his event isn’t exactly your typical political fundraiser (e.g. reception at a restaurant on Capitol Hill) — it’s an annual weekend skiing retreat at Vail, one of the nation’s premier (and most extreme) mountain resorts. It’s a nice trip away from the city, you could say. But it’s not so uncommon for Udall, who has climbed all 54 mountains in Colorado with peaks above 14,000 feet. Yikes. If you want to take on those double blacks (or stick to the bunny hills…) it’ll cost $5,000/PAC and $2,500/individual.

Kirk’s Triumphant Return
It was a little over one year ago that Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., suffered a stroke that put not only his job but his life in jeopardy. But last month, Kirk valiantly climbed the steps of the Capitol, signifying his return to Washington. Now PT has obtained an invite to a reception that signifies his swift return to fundraising as well. The event will cost $2,500/$1,000 for PACs and $1,000/$500 for individuals. Welcome back, Senator.

So there it is, your weekly fundraising roundup. Enjoy the big game on Sunday – but don’t get too invested in the festivities, because this one might already be decided by — if opinion polls reflect reality – God. Maybe he could spend a little less time on sports, and a little more time in Washington.

Until next time, Partiers!

*UPDATE: We were wrong.

If there’s one thing we here at Party Time love more than anything (besides partying of course), it’s money. We can’t get enough of those high dollar fundraisers; we ceaselessly track rich donors and lobbyists; and we’re always searching for where that mysterious money trail leads. We even love the way our beautiful wampum looks (that Washington sure is a handsome gent, ain’t he?). So when President Obama nominated White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew for Treasury secretary, PT nearly had a heart attack. Why? Check out Lew’s incomprehensible spring-like travesty of a signature – the signature that could end up on all U.S. currency! But don’t fret — the president has some good news, saying, “Jack assures me that he will work to make at least one letter legible in order not to debase our currency should he be confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury.” Phew. We’re just relieved that the signature on American moolah won’t start looking like a Hostess cupcake.

And now, on to our normally scheduled Partying – check the highlights below!

Inaugural Balls Have Arrived
The very first 2013 Inaugural events are finally here, Partiers! The Party Time calendar contains five pre-inaugural parties that act as a prelude to the veritable storm of invites we’ve collected for the 57th Inauguration. Kicking things off (a full five days before the actual Inauguration) is the Alaska State Society. This group of “more than 300 D.C.-based Alaskans” is hosting an Inaugural Reception right on Capitol Hill at Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, a popular PT locale. Tickets to this event cost $50, $65 if you’d like an Alaska State Society membership.

Following this on Jan. 17 will be the first ever Sister Cities International Inaugural Ball, appropriately hosted at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hall of Flags. SSI is a “global citizen diplomacy network” that promotes global peace through individual and community partnerships. In fact, Washington, D.C. has 12 official sister city agreements, including Beijing, Rome and Paris. Tickets to the ball cost $250 per guest, but it’s a small price to pay in the quest for world peace.

McConnell and the Podesta Group Team Up
It seems that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is taking his 2014 election seriously – he’s hosted multiple fundraisers since the day after the election and formed a joint fundraising committee, McConnell Victory Kentucky. This time he’s getting a little help to throw another funder from the Republican caucus at the Podesta Group — more than a dozen lobbyists from the firm will host, including Mike Quaranta, Jim Dyer, David Morgenstern, Stephen Rademaker, David Marin and Kimberley Fritts. The cost to attend this lobbyist-studded event are $2,500 for PACs and $1,000 for individuals. We know it’s going down on Jan. 17, but don’t have the details on where  – if you’re in the know tell us by emailing PT!

Saxby Sojourns South to the Sunshine State
Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., has been targeted by members of the Tea Party, including Tea Party Express Chairwoman Amy Kremer, to be “primaried.” This means he could be the latest conservative who isn’t conservative enough and will be challenged by a Tea Party candidate in the 2014 Senate primaries (Ask former Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Ind., about the dangers of being “primaried.”) Perhaps sensing this threat, Chambliss will be throwing a Weekend in Florida to raise funds for the upcoming battle. Benefitting his Republican Majority Fund, Chambliss will charge $3,000 for PACs and $1,500 for individuals to join his vacation south on Jan. 18-20.

As always, upload any invites you may have here! And stay tuned to PT — early next week we’ll be covering the Inauguration, complete with the finished map of ALL the 2013 Inaugural balls!

Until next time, Partiers!

(Photo credit: iStockphoto.com)

Updated 8/21

It’s going to be another slow week as we lead up to the Republican National Convention, Party Timers, with just over 20  events in the database. But the presidential tickets are busy. Here are the highlights:

Ballin’ with Obama: Two of the president’s campaign committees are holding eight events between them this week, both of them playing up on Obama’s known love for the sport and offering sponsors the chance to shoot hoops or meet some of basketball’s greatest stars.

Obama for America starts of the week with a grassroots fundraiser on Tuesday at a private home in California. The event, which will feature “wine, food, poetry and conversation” encourages contributions of any amount, but for a chance to enjoy the entertainment offered, donors have to contribute at least $100.

The next day, the Obama Victory Fund will take over, hosting an all-star dinner with the president himself in New York city. Some of the NBA’s and WNBA’s finest, such as Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, Dawn Staley and Sheryl Swoopes are expected to attend. Michael Jordan, famed as the greatest player of all time, will be co-hosting. Tickets for a photo reception and dinner with the president and the all-stars will cost $20,000 per person.

In a sweepstakes event, Obama for America offered one lucky winner (and guest) a chance to shoot hoops with some of the same stars from the all-star dinner (including Michael Jordan) and the president. The campaign gave entrants a choice to donate $15 to $1,000 although, the fine print reads that no such contribution is necessary to enter the event. Other than shooting hoops, the grand prize includes a round-trip ticket, hotel accommodations, and tickets to another event with the president. The approximate retail value of the prize is $3,200, according to the invite.

Also on Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden will be partying on behalf of the president, attending a reception at the historic Hecker-Smiley mansion in Detroit. The event, hosted by the Obama Victory Fund will cost $5,000 for hosts and $2,500 for guests.

Continuing on the same day (it is a basketball-filled Wednesday for the Obama campaigns), the Obama Victory Fund, still in the Empire State, will host another basketball all-star event. There is no record of which all-stars will be attending this event but guests can get into an autograph session with the players for only $250. Two individuals who want to have a “Shoot-around skills session” with the players however will have to cough up $5,000.

On Thursday, Michelle Obama will headline an Indianapolis fundraiser. This is a resked of an event that was postponed from last month after the mass shooting in Aurora, Colo. The same day,  the Obama Victory Fund will be taking it overseas to Sweden for a reception with Obama’s National Finance Chair (and former Ambassador to Sweden), Matthew Barzum. Individual tickets cost $250 while couples get in for $450. Ex-pats should remember that only citizens may contribute to campaigns so passports should be at the ready.

Back in the homeland, on Friday, Lawyers for Obama as well as the LGBT Leadership Council will be hosting a morning reception for the Obama Victory Fund. Tickets range from $50 to $2,500. Attorney Robert Bauer, who has served as Obama’s White House counsel and Brian Bond, deputy director of the White House Office of Public Engagement are listed as special guests.

The nation’s veep will finish off the week in Bridgehampton, N.Y., at yet another reception at a private home. Rep. Timothy Bishop, D-N.Y. and Sens. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J. and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., are expected to attend the event as well. Tickets start at $500 for young professionals while co-hosts have to dole out $10,000. For an extra $1,000 contribution, a limited edition print by Mary Heilmann will be awarded, according to the Obama webpage.

Romney hits the money trail: The GOP nominee to be will be spending the week ahead of his party’s presidential convention trolling for more cash. News reports have him passing the hat on:

• Tuesday in Midland, Texas, where he’ll hold three fundraisers in the oil patch;
• Wednesday in Little Rock, for an event that could set couples back $50,000;
• Thursday in Minnesota and in New Mexico

We have uncovered two of the invites for Romney’s Texas events. He starts off with a Tuesday luncheon, featuring Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, at the Houstonian Hotel in Houston. Attendees have the option to raise $150,000 to host or raise or contribute $50,000 to attend.

Romney will then be in Midland for an evening reception and dinner later in the day. Former Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans and Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas., are expected to attend the event, among other hosts. Dining with the nominee comes at the hefty price of $50,000 per couple. Couples could also opt to raise $200,000 for Romney Victory, Inc. instead. Tickets for a photo-op and private reception cost couples $10,000 or $25,000 if they opt to raise. The general reception costs a mere $2,500 per head.

The next day, Romney will be in Little Rock for another evening reception. Couples wanting to go to the chairman’s reception will have to either raise or contribute $25,000, while the photo reception comes at $10,000 in either donations or bundles. The general reception will cost individuals $2,500. Attendees will also have the chance to become a part of the Romney Victory Founding Membership for $50,000 per person, or they can raise $50,000 to attend a private dinner with Romney.

There are also reports that Romney will be hitting Louisiana this week. Got the invite? You know what to do.

New veep pick’s cross-country fundraisers: Romney’s chosen running mate, Wisconsin representative, Paul Ryan, will be fundraising on behalf of the Romney Victory, Inc. this week. Party Time does not have very many details about these events (such as the cost and who might be attending) however Ryan is slated to be attending:

• A dinner in Philadelphia on Tuesday
• A Wednesday reception in North Carolina
• Another dinner on Thursday in Missouri
• A third dinner in Detroit on Friday and
• A Saturday dinner in New Hampshire.

Other events: The National Republican Senatorial Committee will be holding a summer cookout at its headquarters on Wednesday. Tickets cost $1,000 per PAC or $100 per person.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H. is inviting her supporters to Orlando, Fla., for a Universal Studios weekend. Party Time does not have much details about the event, but if you would like a change of scenery be prepared to contribute $1,500 per person or $2,500 per PAC.