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!

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

Nothing can stop the partying.

That’s the message presented by our friend Dave Levinthal at the Center for Public Integrity, who recently wrote a piece chronicling lawmakers and their never-ending quest for cash — no matter the circumstances. The third week of April saw numerous tragedies unfold, but that didn’t stop politicians from bombarding supporters with fundraising emails and attending swanky soirees. Levinthal gives examples of messages sent out during the week, like the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (“Tomorrow is our ad buy deadline in the South Carolina special election“), Obama’s non-profit Organizing for Action (“Let’s keep fighting for change. Chip in $5 or more to support Organizing for Action today“) and others. The Party Time calendar also showed 23 fundraisers including parties for Democratic S.C. hopeful Elizabeth Colbert Busch and for Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, all of whom had multiple events that week. It just goes to show you that Congress will party on and no one can stop them — the Beastie Boys would be proud.

Now back to your usually scheduled partying. Since Congress’ spring bre- er we mean, “District Word Period” is over, the lawmakers is back in the District and ready to party at their peak once again. PT has the highlights below:

GOP Senators Double Up
Either Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, are saving up enough money to take over the entire world, or they’re in some kind of political contest. Both are debt-free yet have been partying at astonishing rates — Crapo has 17 funders scheduled in 2013 while Alexander has 15! Alexander’s interest in the party circuit is obvious: He’s up for reelection next year. Crapo won’t face the voters till 2016, but he might have an interest in helping Republicans win back control of the Senate, putting him in line to be chairman of the Banking Committee, a la another one of our favorite Party Time animals.

Alexander’s campaign gets a kick start on May 9 when he’ll be hosting two events to stuff his campaign coffers. That morning Alexander will be at a breakfast — not at a restaurant where most people would generally eat food, but at the Capitol Hill townhouse of Fluor, a construction and engineering company. Seems an odd place for a meal. Just three hours later, he’ll go more conventional with a noon lunch at the Monocle Restaurant. You too can attend both events for the low price of $2,500 PAC or $1,000 personal.

Meanwhile, Crapo’s Freedom Fund is freaking out with funders, and this week Crapo’s holding two more events benefiting his liberty-themed leadership PAC. On Monday, he’ll be at a Financial Services Industry Dinner at Mexican joint Rosa Mexicano (which PT mistakenly thought was a host at first; we obviously aren’t getting enough money to dine at Mexican restaurants of the expense account variety). No hosts are listed, but expect many Wall Street types here — securities and investments has been the biggest industry to contribute to Crapo over his career. Following this is a Young Professionals Reception on Thursday, priced at a young-person-friendly $250-$100. Unless you’re a young person with a PAC, which will cost $1,000.

Friends Don’t Let Friends Fundraise Alone
If you’re serious about political partying (as PT is of course), then you should check out a new paper using PT data by Yale professor Eleanor Neff Powell entitled “Dollars to Votes: The Influence of Fundraising in Congress.” Sunlight’s Lee Drutman covered the major themes if you don’t have time for the full paper, but Powell found members of Congress who headline events for other members get something in return — surprise! — votes for their legislation! And guess what else — the calendar shows two cases just this week of pols helping pols party.

First up, a Wednesday reception for Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., headlined by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. Mikulski is chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee, of which Landrieu is a member, and can lend some powerful support to Landrieu’s challenging campaign in solid-red Louisiana. But she won’t be the only one there; several PACs representing tech businesses and unions will be on hand to host the festivities. To join the crowd, contribute either $2,500 or $1,000.

Later on that evening, Rep. Lois Capps, D-Calif., will be enlisting the help of fellow lawmaker Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., at a dinner on Capitol Hill. On the invite Capps calls Pallone both a “colleague and friend,” and friends don’t let friends fundraise alone. Tickets to this dinner range from $5,000 to $1,000.

2016 Preview Pt. 2 at the Iowa GOP Dinner?

Tonight the S.C. GOP is holding its annual Silver Elephant Dinner, featuring potential presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, as the party’s guest speaker. Well, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., another possible White House successor, tried and failed to get that gig — but he did land the Iowa Republican Party’s 2013 Lincoln Dinner! Tickets to this annual fete cost $450 for a table, $150 for a VIP entree and $50 for a regular ticket. It’s no coincidence that Iowa happens to be an important early voting state in presidential elections, with its spectacular straw poll and all. It’s going to be a packed house next Friday, so hopefully Paul doesn’t blow the dinner speech  – and with it his 2016 chances. After all, it’s practically presidential campaign season — in Iowa at least.

Enjoy the Kentucky Derby, and 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)

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.

Sure, there’s a new pope and he’s very humble and nice and all, but Party Time is more excited for the return of another nearly omnipotent figure — the Partier-In-Chief! Yes, President and heavyweight champion fundraiser Barack Obama is back, heading West for a Democratic gold rush in early April. The swing will retire some DNC debt and generate some cash for the DCCC as it launches into the 2014 midterm battle. Buzzfeed obtained an email sent by Bay Area Democrats Chair Wade Randlett describing the events: An April 4 brunch with a remarkable $32,000 price tag, as well as a lunch later that day that costs as much as $20,000. It seems like Obama hasn’t lost his touch — in fact, he looks better than ever.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here; next week alone offers a bevy of quality parties to check out. See the highlights below.

Dingell raises funds with guns
After California Democratic Sen. Diane Feinstein’s verbal assault on Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a full ban on assault weapons yesterday — so what better time to have a fundraiser featuring guns! Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., will be having his Annual Pheasant Shoot on Monday in the small town of Boonsboro, Md. Dingell is an avid sportsman and vehemently pro-gun, receiving A+ ratings from the NRA. Prices are TBD, so if you’ve got the invite send it in here!

Cash Course for Crapo
Ever since Mormon Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, had that small drunk driving incident earlier this year, he’s been lying low in Party Time (and everywhere else). But that respite appears over, as PT picked up on eight upcoming parties planned in 2013 for his leadership PAC Freedom Fund, three of which are happening next week. He’ll be starting out with a Tuesday breakfast at top international law firm Faegre Baker Daniels on K Street, costing up to $2,500/PAC and $1,000/individual. Two days later, Crapo will be doubling up. First, he’ll celebrate the annual NCAA tournament with a March Madness Kick Off at the townhouse of Diageo — oddly enough, the world’s biggest producer of alcoholic drinks (Guinness, Smirnoff, Bailey’s, Captain Morgan, etc.). Prices for that event are also $2,500/PAC and $1,000/individual. Later that day, Crapo (pronounced CRAY-POE) will rush to Ruth’s Chris Steak House for dinner, again at the same price point. With all this partying scheduled, maybe Crapo should pump the brakes a bit.

Barrasso’s boys club
It’s going to be a boys night out for Senate Republicans on Monday, as Wyoming’s John Barrasso hosts his Leadership Reception. Riding along in the “Bro-jan Horse” will be Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., as well as Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, John Thune, R-S.D., Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan. It’s taking place right at the National Republican Senatorial Committee in Washington, D.C. and will run guests as much as $5,000/PAC and $2,500/individual. The event will be benefiting his leadership fund, Common Values PAC (apparently the only value they approve of having in common is conservatism). And don’t worry, girls are allowed — as long as they bring the entry fee.

GOP forgives, forgets and fundraises for DesJarlais
Talk about forgive and forget — House Republicans forgave, forgot and are now fundraising for embattled Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn. Or at least some of them. As a practicing doctor, the pro-life, family-values oriented lawmaker encouraged not only his wife to have an abortion, but his mistress and patients as well, according to divorce proceedings. The controversy is apparently too much for one Republican, Minnesotan John Kline, who said this week he would not attend the event after originally lending his name to it. But other DesJarlais colleagues are evidently on board to help Tuesday at the Capitol Hill Club, such as House Oversight Committee Chair Darrell Issa, Calif., and Agriculture Committee Chair Rep. Frank Lucas, Okla., as well as Reps. Jim Jordan, Ohio, Tom Price, Ga., and Steve Scalise, La. The price to let everyone know you’ve truly forgiven DesJarlais is $1,000/PAC and $500/individual.

#Stand (and #fundraise) with Rand
Fresh off his filiblizzard of now-CIA Director John Brennan, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., will be capitalizing on all that attention with a Reception and Dinner on Tuesday. It’s located at the UPS townhouse, and transportation industry groups like BNSF RailPAC are hosting. Also on the host committee are eye-popping groups like the National Association for Gun Rights (which sits to the right of the NRA, and has contributed to Paul before) and the PAC of the infamous nonprofit group Citizens United. And don’t forget the power lobbyists like Doyce Boesch, Kirk Blalock and Hunter Bates. If you’d like to stand with Rand, and use him as your personal sounding board, just pony up $5,000 per PAC or $2,500 per person.

Paul Ryan makes a “Schocking” appearance
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., released a new budget proposal that “changed the conversation” on fixing America’s economy… according to Paul Ryan. If you’d like to hear Ryan talk about his game-changing policies, catch him stumping for conservative young gun Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., at his Reception and Dinner on March 21. It takes place at the Five Points Washington — Washington, Illinois, that is. The fundraiser exhibits how highly the former VP candidate thinks of Schock — Ryan’s been in high demand since the election, but has largely stayed off the party circuit. Plus it’s only $250 to get in — all the more reason to attend.

In case you missed it
Mr. Indecision A.K.A. Newark Mayor Cory Booker also has three events this week benefiting his Senate campaign committee, but PT already covered his fundraising explosion with a detailed stand-alone post here. Also make sure to read up the surge of fundraisers for lawmakers involved in the debate over immigration reform, featuring corporate-sponsored funders for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, members of the “Gang of 8″ and more.

Until next time, Partiers!

Photo courtesy of Pete Souza via Wikimedia Commons

“Daddy, Mommy — where were you when the legendary snowquester hit?”

This is a question literally no one will ever be asked. Left with a grand total of zero inches of snow, Washington crumbled in the cruel wake of what could only be described as a pounding hard drizzle with an absolute torrent of breezy snow flurries. As always, D.C. proved its renowned wimpiness by shutting down everything, including the federal government, the second those fear mongers at the Capital Weather Gang mentioned the word “snow.” It even prompted several lawmakers to postpone their most sacred duty — fundraising, of course. At least three Washington area parties were rescheduled, including those of Reps. Ben Cardin, D-Md., and Jim Himes, D-Conn. (note the time change at the top of each invite). One thing the snowquester (ugh) didn’t stop was Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., filibustering — excuse me, filiblizzarding (double ugh) – Obama’s nominee for CIA Director, John Brennan. Paul put on an inspiring display of inefficiency, holding the Senate floor for over 12 hours to question the legitimacy of America’s drone program. But that’s not all — the National Republican Senatorial Committee even took advantage of this display of moral principle to collect some cash on the side. We here at Party Time say “bravo” to that.

The PT calendar has some great parties coming up next week; hopefully the light showers forecast for Tuesday won’t derail the nation’s capital again.

Spitzer Stumps for Markey
Senate hopeful Ed Markey, D-Mass., has become a staple in the PT database as the race to fill John Kerry’s seat heats up. Now he’s enlisting the help of Eliot Spitzer to raise some necessary cash for his campaign. Spitzer and his long-suffering (to put it mildly) wife, Silda, are listed as hosts for a March 13 reception at his sister Emily’s house. This association has come under fire from the GOP, which suggests that Markey shouldn’t pair up with the disgraced Spitzer, who lost his job as New York governor after an earlier visit to Washington that didn’t work out quite so well. Markey’s campaign has held firm about the event, however, retorting: “If the Massachusetts GOP really cared about campaign finance issues they would take its potential nominees to task for refusing to sign the people’s pledge.” The reference is to a proposed deal to bar the use of funds from outside groups like super PACs. Tickets to the event run from $5,000 to $500.

Markey will also be the beneficiary of a March 11 reception at Regis College. He’ll be seeking votes in the wealthy town of Weston, Mass. — among the 100 most affluent towns (with at least 1,000 households) in the entire nation, in fact. Sounds like a great place to party! Tickets to this event run from $5,200 to just $100.

The Billionaire and the Bubba
Terry McAuliffe, who’s running as a Democrat for Virginia governor, partnered with Bill Clinton just last week to fundraise, and now they’re already back at it. The home of hedge fund billionaire Marc Lasry in New York City is the spot for this March 13 reception, where Clinton’s former Chief Advisor Doug Band will also be hosting. Turns out that all these guys are longtime friends: Band, Clinton and McAuliffe have all worked together for the Dems, while Lasry has opened his home for multiple blue funders that Clinton and others have attended. It’s been effective in the past, so it’s no surprise they’re performing an encore. Prices are TBD for this one, so if you’ve got the details let us know by uploading it here!

Campaign Kick-Off Craze
Springtime is often seen as a time of rebirth or new beginnings, and since it’s right around the corner, what better symbolic time to hold a campaign’s first funder! PT’s got a grand total of five parties next week with the word “kick-off” in the title. Without further ado, let’s kick off this list of kick-offs:

• Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., is celebrating with a March 12 “Reception for 2014 Campaign Kick-Off” at home base, the NRSC. Prices go up to $2,000/PAC and $1,000/personal.
• Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., is adding some Republican star power to his March 13 “Campaign Kick-Off and Dinner.” On the guest list is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, John Barrasso, R-Wyo., John Thune, R-S.D., Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan. That’s a lot of red. And Inhofe is expecting a lot of green — prices cost $5,000/PAC and $2,500/personal.
• Later that same day, all of these Republican senators (except Barrasso) will be back to support the “Kick-Off Reception” of Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. They won’t be the only people at this NRSC event, however; several corporations such as Raytheon, Boeing, Marriott and a host of well-known lobbyists like Doyce Boesch and Ginger Loper are all hosting the event. It’s going to be quite the soiree. Prices hit $5,000/PAC and $2,600 personal.
• Sen. Lindsey Graham will be opening his campaign with a “Team Graham Kick-Off Lunch” on March 13. Though he won’t have any special guests (that we know of), the price for admission rises to $10,000 to co-chair. Is he worried about a Tea Party challenger? His price points say so.
• CHC Bold PAC, benefitting the Hispanic Caucus, will be holding its March 13 “Spring Kick-Off Reception” at Comcast’s offices just blocks from the Capitol. With immigration at the forefront of Congress, they could be bulking up to promote their perspective on the issue. Prices are TBD.

After all those kick-offs, it seems lawmakers need a new way to say that. At least Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., used the word “debut” for a March 14 luncheon benefitting his brand new “Healthcare Freedom Fund.” Located at Republican hotspot the Capitol Hill Club, this meal runs anywhere from $5,000 to $500.

Legislative Ladies Do Lunch
It’s appropriate that today, International Women’s Day, PT covers Rep. Terri Sewell’s 2nd Annual Ultimate Ladies’ Power Lunch on March 14. She’s teaming up with special guest Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., to celebrate the women in Congress and around the country. It’s taking place at the Credit Union House, owned by every statewide credit union trade association. Tickets for lunch cost up to $5,000/PAC and $2,500/personal. But wait — is Sewell skirting the laws of “annual?” She’s also hosting an event billed as a “2nd Annual Ultimate Ladies’ Power Lunch” today! This one is in her home state Alabama and features Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., costing only $1,000 to $100 for entry. Two “annual” lunches in one week? What gives, Terri?

Catsimatidis Crowds the Theaters
In this week’s unusual department, NYC Republican mayoral candidate, and supermarket/oil billionaire, John Catsimatidis has brought some innovation to the partying game. He spent upwards of $60,000 buying up all the tickets to 10 performances of “The Little Flower,” a one-man show by Tony Lo Bianco about former New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia. Catsimatidis is giving away all the tickets to schools, senior centers and GOP groups — but is turning one of them into a fundraiser (which show is still unknown). The reason for this play: “About six, seven years ago, [the] first time I saw the play, it inspired me and I said, ‘I want to become mayor and make the difference in this city the way Fiorello LaGuardia made,’” said Catsimatidis. PT has certainly never seen anything like this.

Until next time, Partiers!

Photo credit: Rehman Abubakr/Wikimedia Commons

After Mitt Romney took a nosedive and his campaign collapsed on Election Day, many pointed to the GOP’s widening fracture for its downfall. This rift between the ultra-conservative Tea Party movement and “establishment” Republicans has led to bitter friendly fire: The party couldn’t agree on how to deal with the sequester, tea partiers have alienated rising stars like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and now Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., has viciously set his sights on fellow GOPer and potential 2016 presidential nominee Marco Rubio. More specifically, the Florida senator’s fundraising habits. Rubio first voted against the federal Hurricane Sandy relief package (which already made King furious, and you can see why by getting a load of some of the damage in his district, pictured above), and then the Floridian proceeded to court Wall Street for campaign cash. This prompted an eruption of Vesuvian proportions from King:

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)

It’s going to be busy on the party circuit this week with more than 40 events on our calendar. Events include a fundraising showdown between the presidential campaigns — including a near miss in California, where both presidential rivals will be on Monday — a few chill events and getaways, in addition to the usual breakfasts, lunches, receptions etc. The highlights:

Romney racing ahead: It seems as if GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney is keen to keep his fundraising lead, which culminated in him outraising President Barack Obama by almost $100 million in June. The Romney campaign will host six events (of which we know, at least) over the course of the week, starting with three on Sunday.

The day of not-so-much rest begins at the Woodside, Calif., home of billionaire business executive Thomas Siebel with a lunch in Romney’s honor. The ask for this event is reportedly $50,000 per head. Expected to attend: George Schultz, who served as secretary of state under former President Ronald Reagan, and who endorsed Romney upon his nomination.

A few hours later, Romney will head over to the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco for another fundraising gathering. Ticket prices range between $2,500 and $10,000.

The presidential hopeful will then hop over to Pacific Heights for an “intimate” dinner at a private home. This event also brings a whopping $50,000 per head to the candidate’s campaign. The  dinner will also feature Howard Leach, who served as ambassador to France under former President George W. Bush.

The next day, still wooing supporters in the Golden State, Romney will be having a breakfast in Irvine. Attendees have the option of giving (or bundling) $50,000 for two tickets to the host committee reception, two tickets to the photo reception with one photo-op and a table of 10 for breakfast. Giving $10,000 gets an individual two tickets to the photo reception with one photo op and two tickets to breakfast. Preferred seating costs $2,500 while $1,000 per head gets a person into the breakfast.

After taking a short break, (or maybe just organizing for the flight), Romney will be courting expats at a London reception on Thursday. The presidential hopeful is heading across the pond to cheer on wife Ann’s horse in the Olympics. But he’s not losing any money: Included among the event’s chairs is Barclays Capital Managing Director (and Romney bundler), Patrick Durkin. As usual, in order to contribute the requested $2,500, a U.S. passport (or copy) must be on hand.

A mere hour and a half after the reception Romney will be holding a private dinner. Durkin is also to be at this event, which ranges from $25,000 to $75,000 per person. Remember Romney 2012 expats, have your  passports (and cash) ever ready.

Obama hits for six as well: Update 7/23 EST 12:00 The Obama campaign won’t let itself easily fall behind Romney, however, giving tit for tat with six events lined up as well. Looks as if we spoke a little too soon, Obama is not just hitting for six, he’s hitting the ball way out of the park, outmatching Romney in fundraisers this week. In addition to the original six reported, Party Time discovered an additional five events for the Obama campaign.

The first lady kicks off the Obama campaign’s fundraisers with a reception in Indianapolis, Ind., at the Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. Guests get in for $100, while the ropeline section (and presumably closer looks at Michelle Obama) costs $1,000. Hosts have to cough up $10,000 for the privilege of a family photo op and the reception. Update 7/21: The White House cancelled Sunday’s Indianapolis fundraiser after Friday’s massacre in Colorado.

On Monday, the president himself will travel to Piedmont, some 400 miles away from Romney’s own Irvine fundraiser, to woo his own supporters in California. The reception and dinner will be held at a private home and will cost $35,800 per person, to be divvied up between the Democratic National Committee, the Obama-Biden campaign, and state Democratic parties.

Mere minutes later the president is expected to head over to Oakland’s Fox Theater for another reception in his honor. Tickets for this event start at $100 for balcony seating and go up to $7,500 for event sponsors.

The next day, Obama will fly over to Portland, Ore., for a lunch reception at the Portland Art Museum. Ticket prices peak at $8,000 but start at $500. Half an hour before this lunch reception however, Obama will have a short brunch in the same location. Short as the event appears to be however, the president is holding up on his asks. Suggested contribution for the brunch is $30,000 per head, to benefit party committees in addition to the campaign.

At the exact same time as the earlier lunch reception, the Obama campaign will have another lunch reception (which Obama is also supposed to attend), a few minutes away from the art museum, at the Oregon Convention Center. General Admission for this event is $500.

While the nation’s chief is in Oregon, the campaign will be holding down the fort in Pittsburgh with a reception. The Tuesday event costs between $100 and $2,500. The Obama campaign will also be hosting a Vermont reception with former Gov. Madeleine Kunin at a private home. Tickets start at $50 for young professionals and students and go up to $1,000 for hosts.

Boston is not going to be left out in the Obama’s campaign Tuesday trail, where Obama for America Director of Opinion Research, David Simas, will be present at a reception and campaign update. Couples co-chairing have to dole out $3,500, while co-hosting couples only have to contribute $1,000. Individual sponsors should have $500 on hand and supporters get in for $250.

On Wednesday, the president will make an appearance in Louisiana for yet another reception in New Orleans. Entrance to reception and a photo op will cost attendees $5,000. VIP get in for $1,000, while a seat in preferred viewing comes at $500. General reception tickets cost $250 and students and young professionals get in for $100.

Vice President Joe Biden will also be campaigning on behalf of the president, courting supporters in the nation’s capital at a luncheon. The Friday event costs guests $2,500, with VIPs paying twice as much.

The Getaways: Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., will be hosting a Maryland golf weekend for his leadership PAC, LEG PAC from Friday to Sunday at the Inn at Perry Cabin and Harbourtowne Golf Course. Suggested contribution is $5,000.

For the baseball fans who wish to see the Cubs vs. Cardinals game and support Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind., at the same time, this weekend is your chance. The senator will be hosting a “weekend in the Windy City with Cubs vs. Cardinals rooftop game” for $1,500 per individual from Friday to Sunday.

Another fairly busy week is upon us, Party Timers! We have almost 30 events lined up for you. The highlights:

Obama is back: After last week’s lack of (known) fundraisers, the Obama campaign is back on track with five events in the making.

On Tuesday, President Obama will be in San Antonio, Texas for a lunch with two members of prominent local Hispanic Democratic families, Rep. Charlie Gonzalez and Mayor Julian Castro (Castro’s identical twin brother, Joaquin, is running for the House seat that Gonzalez will be vacating when he retires at year’s end). Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria will also be a special guest at the event. Those wishing to rub shoulders with the politicians and actress only have to pay $250 for general admission. Closer glances of the foursome come at $1,000 for preferred seating, while individuals or couples can pay $5,000 or $7,500 respectively for the photo reception.

Later that same day, the president will travel to Austin for a reception with the LGBT Leadership Council with special musical guest, country singer, Jerry Jeff Walker. The LGBT event has the same ask as the earlier San Antonio lunch.

While Obama is courting supporters in the Lone Star State, his campaign will hold a food tasting reception hosted by Chefs for Obama back in the nation’s capital on Tuesday evening. Sponsors are asked to pay $1,000 for the VIP reception. For food-tasters, the price is $250.

First lady Michelle Obama will also be on the campaign trail this week, fundraising on her husband’s behalf in Alabama. The Wednesday reception, to be held at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, has tickets tagged from $200 (for general admission) to $30,000 to co-chair (the hefty price gets you entrance into the greet, photo-op and five preferred viewing tickets).

The first lady will then be back in D.C. on Thursday for a campaign roundtable with the LGBT Leadership Council. The ask for this event is $10,000 per individual and $20,000 per couple.

Romney, Jindal and the big money: Multiple Louisiana media reports have Mitt Romney lunching Monday in Baton Rouge, La. with one of his potential VP picks, and and members of his Founders Club. Entrance fee: $50,000.

Update: 07/16/2012; 11:25 a.m. EST: The Romney campaign will also be in New York for a Wednesday luncheon with Ann Romney. The Women for Romney event features Republican National Committee Co-Chair, Sharon Day as a special guest. Tickets are priced at $2,500 for the photo and VIP reception, while entrance to the later general reception costs $500. Special thanks to the Bergen County Republican Organization for providing us with this invite!

Summer = B²Q: Tis the season to barbecue! Even our lawmakers know that much, trading in the normal receptions and luncheons with “ordinary” food for the treat.

On Wednesday, Alamo PAC, Sen. John Cornyn’s, R-Texas, leadership PAC will be the honoree at a Texas BBQ buffet luncheon. PAC Hosts are asked to contribute $2,500, while attendees pay $1,000 (PACs) or $500 (individuals).

On the same day, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., will be also hosting a D.C. BBQ at the National Republican Senatorial Committee headquarters. The ask is $1,000.

For those who may not be in the mood for barbecue (or are just plain sick of it) and want to try out something new, or for New Jerseyans missing the taste of home, Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., is having a taste of Paterson reception on Tuesday. So if you want to try something new (or something familiar if you hail from the Garden State), have $1,000 to $2,500 ready.

The Getaways: We have four getaways starting Friday to Sunday this week. Enjoy the (hopefully sunny but cool) weekend!

Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., will hold a Colorado Weekend for his leadership PAC, PEAK PAC. The event costs $5,000 for PACs and $2,500 for individuals.

On the other side of the map Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., will also host a weekend trip for his leadership PAC, Rhode Island Hope PAC. Two persons get to tag along if they cough up $5,000 between them.

Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, R, will be taking his backers to California for an annual Napa Valley wine tour. PAC hosts are asked to contribute $5,000 while PAC attendees are asked for $3,000. Individuals get the tour for $2,000.

Lastly, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., will be venturing with his guests just next door to Maryland for his own weekend trip. PACs pay $5,000 while individuals get to attend for $2,500.