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

With the debate over comprehensive immigration reform well underway, naturally the time has come for lobbyists to barge in and take it over! Party Time has noticed a recent surge in fundraisers for some lawmakers holding influence over the immigration issue — including events at top private sector players — and PT knows throwing a party can be one of the best ways to access legislators and promote a particular point of view. So far, PT counts more than 50 such funders scheduled for 2013! While many of the soirees here could merely be run-of-the-mill campaign events, there is a possibility that they provide an opportunity for special interests to curry favor with Congress — and offer their two cents about how they’d like immigration reform to happen.

Several tech companies are lobbying on immigration, hoping to loosen restrictions on obtaining visas for science and skilled workers. Microsoft is at the top of list, posting 33 lobbying reports involving immigration in 2012. Microsoft’s D.C. policy center is also the site of two fundraisers this year — one a $2,500 breakfast for Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the other a $5,000 dinner for Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. The fact that Microsoft hosted events for these two may not be a coincidence: Cruz sits on the Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee, and Collins is seen as a crucial centrist swing vote in affecting how immigration reform plays out. Other tech lobbying groups that have hosted a fundraiser include Google, which is throwing a $2,000 March Madness Reception for Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Oracle, which hosts a $2,000 lunch on May 9 for Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla.

The hospitality industry is heavily involved in immigration reform as well. Marriott International is a major employer of immigrants, so it’s no surprise to see that as the company’s top lobbying issue. Marriott’s political action committee has hosted two fundraisers for Collins: One is the aforementioned dinner at Microsoft’s D.C. office, while the other is a $5,000 Kick-Off Reception that includes Republican higher ups like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Ky., and Sen. John Cornyn, Texas, who also happens to be his party’s top-ranking member on the and immigration subcommittee.

Also co-hosting Collins’ kick off is the American Hospital Association, another immigration heavy hitter. The healthcare industry hopes to loosen restrictions on medically skilled immigrants, as it employs many as nurses and physicians. More medical groups are also organizing events for Sen. Orrin Hatch, including a $5,000 breakfast thanks to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and another $5,000 breakfast thanks to the Advanced Medical Technology Association and others. Oh, and Hatch conveniently sits on the immigration subcommittee as well.

Leading the charge in legislating reform is the Senate’s “Gang of Eight,” a bipartisan group that is privately crafting a sweeping bill. Republicans in the gang have been partying it up, like newly-elected Jeff Flake, Ariz., who’s got at least five events this year. Flake, who also serves on the subcommittee for immigration, even had three funders in two days from March 12 to 13.

Another conservative on the gang is Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who is emerging as his party’s spokesman on immigration. The son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio has had at least two fundraisers this year, including a weekend at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla. where prices rise to $10,000. One Republican who’s balancing reform and re-election is Lindsey Graham, S.C., who has three parties lined up in 2013 so far. Graham, who is also on the Judiciary Committee, has a campaign kickoff event at the NRSC costing a max of $10,000. The lone Republican without a PT event is Flake’s fellow Arizonan John McCain. He’s not up for reelection until 2016.

Of the four Democrats, only Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, who serves on the Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee, has a fundraiser posted in the PT database. His sole party is a March 15 breakfast co-benefitting himself and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md. The other three — Sens. Robert Menendez, N.J., Chuck Schumer, N.Y., and Michael Bennet, Colo. — have been M.I.A. in PT.

Congressional members of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees will also play a significant role in determining how immigration reform plays out, and several members have thrown multiple fundraisers where lobbyists could grab some face time. Ranking member Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has held three events this year and has another planned for late March, though none have hosts listed. In addition to the two medical industry-sponsored breakfasts mentioned before, Hatch has six others in 2013 so far, all hosted by a lobbyist or PAC.

PT has asked this question before but it bears repeating: What’s Hatch, who just ended a successful reelection campaign with no debts and who will be 84 when he next has to face the voters, going to do with all the campaign cash he’s amassing?

But we digress: Cornyn, the top Republican on immigration, is up for reelection next year. He has six parties of his own this year, including a $5,000 March 14 breakfast located at Pfizer’s D.C. offices and hosted by Pfizer and Lilly, a pharmaceutical company that lobbied on immigration last year. Other Republicans on the Judiciary Committee collecting cash this year include Texas Sen Ted Cruz (3 events), Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions (1 event), and Utah Sen. Mike Lee (1 event).

Though conservatives have been partying hard, only one Democrat on the committee has a fundraiser in PT for 2013, Sen. Amy Klobuchar. The Minnesotan will be the beneficiary of a $5,000 reception on March 21 in D.C. Klobuchar is a member of the subcommittee on immigration.

On the House side, there isn’t much fundraising appearing in the PT calendar on either side. Reps. Mark Amodei (1 event), R-Nev., and Joe Garcia (2 events), D-Fla., are the only members sitting on the subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security to have PT events in 2013. Ranking member of the Judiciary Committee Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., had a Super Bowl party with prices up to $10,000, while fellow Democrats Jerrold Nadler, N.Y., and Ted Deutch, Fla., each had one event in 2013 so far. Aside from these PT has no funders on record for the rest of the committee, including Chair Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) will be a major player in passing immigration legislation, and certain members have been busy partying. The CHC’s own political action committee, BOLD PAC, is holding a Spring Kick Off Reception at the offices of Comcast, a lobbying titan that nevertheless hasn’t touched immigration policy. The highest ranking member of the CHC to throw a party in 2013 is 2nd vice chair Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, who benefitted from a $5,000 evening reception at the 21st Century Group townhouse on Jan. 15. Rep. Xavier Beccera, D-Calif., is another CHC player with significant clout, and he’s holding a March 15 breakfast that’s running guests up to $5,000. CHC members Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., Albio Sires, D-N.J., and Nydia Velasquez, D-N.Y., are all in the PT database benefitting from one party each, with no hosts listed.

Some instances may not seem like much, but all of these fundraisers provide an opportunity for immigration lobbyists to schmooze with lawmakers, especially events that are explicitly hosted by special interests. Let’s just hope that members of Congress are smart enough to make up their own minds.

(Photo credit: U.S. Border Patrol via Wikimedia Commons)

As you’ve already heard by now, the Republican Convention is taking place in Florida throughout the week, although some activities–including today’s schedule–have been disrupted by Tropical Storm Isaac. Party Time doesn’t know if the GOP’s ladies’ event that is supposed to take place tonight between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. is included among the cancelled events, but in case it isn’t, here are the juicy deets:

RightNOW! , a volunteer group that focuses on women, along with View PAC, founded by GOP women, are hosting “The White House Party” today at the Honey Pot, a LBGT bar in Tampa’s Ybor City to “celebrate the power of political chicks”. Several female Republican lawmakers are co-hosting the event including: Reps. Sandy Adams, Fla., Judy Biggert, Ill., Diane Black, Tenn., Marsha Blackburn, Tenn., and Jo Ann Emerson, Miss.

The desired dress code advised on the invitation is “summer chic” and party goers are asked to wear white. According to Party Time sources, individual tickets cost about $100, but sponsorship level tickets will definitely cost more. To become a member of RightNOW!, all one would have to do is purchase two party tickets.

So ladies, grab your favorite little white dress and some heels (or flats) and prepare to party hard with the Republican women and female lawmakers.

Brace yourselves: convention season has begun.

This week, the Republican National Convention has taken over the Party Time database with more than 200 events and we are still receiving and uploading more invites! The invitation haul we received this year tops the 2008 convention number by more than 100 (and counting). And while we also have a handful of the usual events landing in our database (the Obama campaign is staying active throughout the week, for example), they pale in comparison to convention action.

Copious conventions

The Republican Convention officially starts on Monday, with quite a few kick-off celebrations on Sunday, and lasts until Friday. The convention will include fundraisers, of course, as well as concerts, receptions, luncheons, parties, beach bashes, bar bashes, general-purpose bashes and so much more. Here are some of the highlights:

One of the Sunday’s several kick-off events is a party “welcoming the media and political elite.” This “Full Lid” party will be held in St. Petersburg with prices ranging from $250 to $2,500.

GOProud is hosting yet another “Homocon” at this year’s convention on Tuesday night, after all the day’s festivities come to an end. The event, which will be held at the Honey Pot night-club in the Ybor City neighborhood, features several special guests including Amy Kremer, chair of the Tea Party Express, Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform and David Keene, former chair of the American Conservative Union. The event is free, however sponsors who pay $2,500 per person or 3,500 per couple get entry preference.

There will also be several beach events. After all, what’s the point of being in Florida without enjoying the water?  Boots on the Bay is one of these events which, according to the invite, will feature a private beach setting and local seafood hors d’oeuvres. Tickets for this Tuesday event cost $5,000 for five tickets, but discounts are available when tickets are bought in bulk: for $50,000, you can nab for 55 tickets.

The Republicans will be rocking out throughout the week with various concerts on the itinerary. Bands/musicians featured in concerts:

• Lynyrd Skynyrd, will kick of the week on Sunday;
• Camp Freddy will be playing at a wounded warrior benefit concert on  Monday;
• Trace Adkins at a Tuesday concert;
• Kid Rock has his own Wednesday concert;
• and Journey is booked for Thursday. Many GOP representatives and senators are slated to attend this event.

For a full glance at these and the more than 200 other events happening in Tampa, be sure to visit our convention search page.

And, if you are attending any convention events let us know, send us info, and help us help you!

For example, several of the parties are for state delegations and are going to be underwritten by corporations. We would like to help you track the influence and find out who is ingratiating themselves with the political class and what benefits they will be seeking in return when the lawmakers are back to business next year.

Here’s how you can help: If you do attend an event, you’ll surely spot written material thanking sponsors. Grab that material (notes, photos, scanned copies, etc.) and upload (if you wish to remain anonymous) or email them  (partytime@sunlightfoundation.org) to us. We’ll post them to Party Time!

Obama campaign at home and abroad

While the Republicans are raising up a storm in Florida, the Obama campaign will be making two pit stops in the home land before flying abroad.

The vice president kicks off the campaigning week with a Sunday reception in Provincetown, Mass. It costs $250 to get in the door, but for $25,000, donors can “chair” the event and greet the vice president, get a photo, and attend a pre-reception.

That same day, the campaign will also host a Seattle family fun day with a special performance by children’s music band, Recess Monkey. Tickets start at $100 per family and go up to $500 per family to “sponsor” the event.

Then it is back over to Geneva, Switzerland, where Americans Abroad for Obama and actor George Clooney will be hosting a reception. Matthew Barzun, former U.S. ambassador to Sweden and former national finance chair will also attend the reception. Guests are asked to contribute $1,000. A photo opportunity costs $5,000, while dinner will be served for $20,000 per person or $30,000 per couple.

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.

It’s looks like a slow mid-August week, Party Timers, with a fewer than 15 events in our admittedly Beltway-centric database. Remember that the nation’s lawmakers are officially on their month-long holiday so parties may be slow for a while. However, if you know of any interesting fundraisers — especially those coming up in Tampa and Charlotte — be sure to fill us in!

On to the highlights:

Obama Cashing in with Celebrities: It’s not slow for President Obama’s campaign. Along with the usual campaign fundraisers there will be a (belated) birthday celebration in Chicago and some hob-nobbing with celebrities.

The president and his wife will kick off the fundraising week Sunday in different cities: Michelle Obama will be in Los Angeles for a party at a reception in her husband’s honor at a private home. That event will cost between $2,500 and $25,000.

Mrs. Obama then will head to the Beverly Hills home of singer and fashion designer Gwen Stefani for a ‘Sunday of Fun‘ with members of the American rock band No Doubt. To co-chair the event with the celebrities and Mrs. O, individuals have to dole out $25,000. A family photo opportunity comes at a hefty $8,000 while a couple photo-op costs $5,000. General admission for a family of four (that is, two adults and two children) will cost $1,000.

While his wife is in the Golden State, the president will be in his hometown of Chicago for a four-fundraiser day, including an exclusive party at his home for a few close friends able to pony up $40,000 a ticket and a Gen44 birthday celebration. To play on the president’s 51 years, VIP admission will cost $551 (this includes the VIP reception and ropeline placement), preferred admission $251, while general admission will be $51.

Later in the week, on Wednesday the Obama campaign will be hosting a reception with the cast of The Wire, an American TV drama. The event, which will be held at Martha’s Vineyard, will cost hosts $2,500 and guests $500. The campaign won’t be quick to leave the Vineyard however. On Friday they will have yet another fundraiser, a dinner, in the area. This one logs in at at $10,000 per couple or $5,000 per individual.

Romney in Alabama: GOP nominee, Mitt Romney will be in Birmingham, Ala. on Wednesday for a reception. Party Time does not have many details for this event, but it will reportedly cost between $5,000 to $25,000.

Update 08/13, 1:15 EST; Romney will also be in Nantucket on Saturday for a reception and dinner at a private home. Party Time doesn’t have any record for the ask of this event or who else will be in attendance.

Other Interesting Events: For those who are interested in getting out of the capital and heading for a different climate in Colorado, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, will be hosting a Broadmoor summer retreat to benefit the Free State PAC. Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., John Thune, R-S.D. and Rep. John Boozman, R-Ariz. are all expected to attend the retreat which starts on Sunday and goes until Tuesday. Party Time has no record of the ask for this event.

Fishing fans may be interested in the annual “Hook ‘n Bullet” event for Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho. The two-day event starts on Tuesday on the Silver Springs Angus Ranch in Picabo, Idaho. Again, we are not sure of the ask for this event.

It is officially August Party Timers! Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives have taken their month-long leave from the capital, so the partying pace has slowed to a crawl. If you know of events beyond the Beltway, let us know. Here are the highlights:

Presidential Partying: The Obama Victory Fund has three fundraisers lined up this week, starting with the president himself visiting Connecticut on Monday. There’s an evening reception at the Stamford Marriott Hotel, there general admission costs $500 and a photo opportunity with Obama runs $10,000. For $38,500, Nutmeg State supporters of the president can join him at a glam funder in nearby Greenwich. Hosts are media mogul Harvey Weinstein and Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Both Wintour and Weinstein have hosted fundraisers for Obama before.

Later the same day, the campaign turns to the West Coast with another reception, this one including a performance by world-renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma. The Santa Monica event will cost $10,000 per couple to co-chair, and $2,500 for general admission.

First lady Michelle Obama will then take the fundraising reins, heading to Wyoming for a Saturday luncheon in her husband’s honor. The title of “founding families,” which comes at a price of $35,800 per family, includes a reception, photo opportunity and the luncheon. Co-hosts are asked to pay $20,000 for a greet, photo opportunity and the luncheon. For just the photo opportunity and the luncheon, $2,500 is required. A luncheon attendee (or sponsor) gets in with a mere $100.

The Romney campaign will be doing a little touring of its own this week. GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney will be in West Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday for a fundraising dinner. Two big name state Republicans, Sen. Chuck Grassley and Gov. Terry Branstad, are expected to attend. The event starts off at a price of $1,250 per head and photo opportunities cost $10,000. “Silver” hosts and “Gold” hosts are asked to contribute $10,000 or $25,000 respectively. Co-chairs have to dole out a whopping $75,000.

On Wednesday, Romney will hand over fundraising duties to his brother, Scott Romney (who is also his senior campaign advisor) and Matt Hoffmann, (his senior healthcare policy advisor). Both men will be present at an early morning “small business and healthcare policy roundtable” in Wisconsin. The title of event chair carries a price tag of $5,000. Hosts have the option of either contributing $2,500 or bundling $10,000 for the Romney campaign. Those who wish to skip the private meeting can attend the breakfast roundtable for $1,000.

“Pro-choice,” pro-fundraising: Two abortion rights organizations, the NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado PAC and the Voices for Choice are holding a brunch in Denver on Sunday. Ticket prices are $100 for hosts and $50 for guests. Donations will be evenly split between both groups.

Other interesting events and getaways: Those who wish to vacation with Congress can get a bright and early start. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., will be the honoree at his Great Lakes golf outing, which takes place from Sunday to Tuesday. Attendees will be visiting multiple clubs across Michigan. Hosts pay $5,000 (includes 2 golfers), while participants pay $2,500.

Other options include Sen. John Barrasso’s “summer Teton tee-off and wine and art escape.” The Monday event benefits the Wyoming Republican’s leadership PAC, Common Values. Party Time doesn’t know the ask for this event, but if you do, please tell the class..

Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., will also be making the best of summer in the Tetons, holding his “annual day in the Tetons” event on Thursday. This event also to benefit his own leadership PAC, Making Business Excel. The ask is $2,500.

Golfers have another chance to tee off while supporting Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. The lawmaker will be having his 3rd annual golf weekend in Park City, Utah from Friday to Saturday. The first package which costs $3,000 per PAC and $1,500 per individual includes golf for both Friday and Saturday, while the second package ($2,000 PAC or $1,000 individual) includes only Saturday golf.

Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, will be the special guest at a Thursday reception honoring Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Ill. Tickets range from $2,500 to $75.

One of Romney’s potential veep pics (and leading Republican party boy), Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J. will be headlining a Montana fundraiser for ex-Rep. Rick Hill, who is a Republican candidate for governor this year. This event costs between $150 (for individual tickets) to $1,000 (for a couple photo and 2 reception tickets).

July is winding down and we are moving slowly into the August (and convention) fundraisers, Party Timers! This transitional week brings us more than 20 events before both the Senate and the House of Representatives take a month long leave from the capital. The highlights:

Romney International: After GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s stint in the United Kingdom, he will be flying to Israel for a fundraising event in his honor, according to The Jerusalem Post. The Jerusalem fundraiser, which reportedly will cost $60,000 or more per plate, will take place on Sunday as the Jewish fast Tisha B’Av ends. The fast, which celebrates certain communal tragedies, takes place this year at sunset on July 28 and ends at nightfall on July 29.

After Jerusalem, Romney stops in Poland (where, as far as Party Time knows, he’s got no fundraisers). The GOP candidate’s next shaking of the money tree will take place Friday at a fundraiser in Idaho. The Sun Valley reception will cost about $1,000 per person.

The next day, Romney will be going cross country to Indiana for another reception featuring celebrity guests, actress and model Bo Derek and  actor and film director, Ricky Schroder. Several other hosts and congressmen are expected to attend the event as well. Party Time doesn’t have the ask for this event. (If you do, let us know!)

The Obamas on the East Coast: Both President Barack Obama and the first lady will be spending some quality time on the East Coast throughout the week.

The president will be in the Empire State on Monday evening for a dinner at the NoMad hotel. Those wishing to dine with Obama will have to pay $40,000 per head (or $80,000 per couple).

From then on the first lady will be picking up the Obama Victory Fund’s torch, starting with a Thursday luncheon at the private home of some big donors in New Hampshire. To qualify as an “event host,” guests must pay $10,000 per couple or $5,000 per individual. That includes a photo opportunity with Michelle Obama and a private pre-lunch reception. For $5,000 per couple or $2,500 per individual, sponsors will also get a photo op included with the regular lunch tickets.

The next day, the first lady will be heading over to Massachusetts for two events. At 12:30 p.m. she will attend another luncheon in Springfield at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Tickets range from $10,000 to $1,000.

A few hours later and some 50 miles away, Mrs. Obama will be at a reception in Pittsfield with singer-songwriter and guitarist, James Taylor. Once again, tickets to this event start at $10,000 but this time cost as little as $250 for general seating (although these tickets are of limited availability.) There were cheaper tickets for $125, but according to the site, these have already been sold out.

Also on Friday, the president’s right hand man, Vice President Joe Biden, will be in Los Angeles for a fundraising reception at the home of big Democratic donor Shoukat Hussain Ali, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Reporter says tickets are $10,000 per head.

Other Interesting Events: We have a few “out of the norm” events this week, for those who don’t quite fancy the normal political fundraising scene.

Texas’ Republican Candidate for Senate, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst will holding a fundraising luncheon for his campaign on MOnday. The event, which will take place at San Antonio’s Club Giraud, will boast Gov. Rick Perry as the guest of honor. For a mere $25,000 donors can become a part of the “Dewhurst Senatorial Council Member,” while being a host or a sponsor costs $2,500 and $1,000 respectively.

On Wednesday, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., will be having a summertime reception featuring authentic Korean barbecue cuisine. Those who are interested in trying out a different type of barbecue should have between $2,500 and $1,000 ready to contribute to the congressman’s campaign.

Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., will be having his own reception on Thursday, featuring Washington, D.C.-based band the 19th Street Band. Hosts are asked to contribute $2,500 while guests get to sit with the congressman and listen to the eclectic tones of the country Celtic musicians.

For the Party Timers that just have to get away, Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., invites his supporters “for a weekend of hiking, brewery tours, golf and more” at the Woodstock Inn and Resort in his home state from Friday to Sunday. Attendees wishing to attend the “Summer in Vermont” fundraiser will have to plunk down between $5,000 and $2,000.

Former President Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker at the Humphrey-Mondale dinner honoring former Vice President Walter Mondale. The Saturday event, which will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota costs between $5,000 and $125. Donations benefit the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

There will be another annual dinner, the Jefferson-Jackson dinner, held in New Orleans that same day. The ticket asks for the evening event range from $150 for individuals to $5,000 for a platinum 10-person table. Among the keynote speakers: Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, N.J. and Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland, the head of the Democratic Governor’s Association. O’Malley set up a federal PAC last week, setting off speculation that he’s preparing to run for the presidency in 2016.

Tampa- or Charlotte-bound? Party Time is trolling shamelessly for invites. You know where to send them.

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.

This week will be more productive on the party scene for our nation’s lawmakers, especially in comparison to last week’s abysmal turn out as officials took a break. We have more than 20 events lined up. Here are the highlights:

Romney in the lead this week: Usually President Obama is at the top of the fundraising race, at least in terms of the number of events his campaign holds weekly. Not this time, however! GOP hopeful Mitt Romney has multiple events this week, topping the president’s campaign — for which we’ve been able to find only one measly invite. Got more? Lay them on us.

Romney kicks off his busy fundraising week with two Sunday events. The first will be a lunch in New York, which House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., will also attend.  It’ll cost $5,000 per person to eat lunch; those who contribute or raise $25,000 will be invited to attend the VIP photo reception as well.

Later in the evening, Romney will be dining with billionaire David Koch, according to Forbes magazine, the Empire State’s richest resident. The pricey dinner at Koch’s Southampton residence will cost individuals $50,000 and couples $75,000. This won’t be the first time that Koch will be helping to fundraise for Romney. No surprise, given the close ties between the two well-upholstered families.

According to Fox31 Denver, Romney is expected Monday evening at a private fundraiser in Aspen, Colo. Alas, Party Time didn’t get an invite (insert sad emoticon here). If you have any details or the invite itself, let us know!

On Tuesday, Romney’s oldest son, Tagg, will be attending a reception in his father’s honor in Pennsylvania. Tickets for this event, held at the Berkshire Country Club, cost between $500 for general admission and $10,000 to be part of the platinum circle.

On Thursday, Romney will be in Wyoming for a reception and dinner with former Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne at their home. Party Time got an invite, but it didn’t detail the ask.

While Romney is in Wyoming with Cheney, the candidate’s older brother, G. Scott Romney, will be attending another evening reception at Trump Parc Stamford in Connecticut. This invite quotes $500 per person to attend an earlier “meet & greet” while those who wish to stay for the VIP dinner reception have to cash out $2,500 a head.

Of course, not everything is bright and sunny in the Romney fundraising-verse. Just the other day, one of his big hosts, former Barclays CEO Robert Diamond, withdrew from his fundraising efforts for Romney, following a scandal involving the bank’s role in a scheme to fix interest rates. Diamond was supposed to host a London dinner for Romney July 27, costing between $25,000 and $75,000.  But word is the London fete is still on (Romney will be in town for the Olympics, where his wife has a horse and trainer competing) and we’re still looking for the invite. Hint, hint.)

Obama (campaign) in Paris (again): The Obama campaign will be taking yet another trip to France for a reception with former Secretary of the Navy, Richard Danzig. The event, at a still undetermined location in Paris, will cost between $750 and $5,000 for guests and hosts respectively. Ex-pats, as always, should remember to make sure they have a copy of their passport ready.

Updated, 10:45 a.m., 7/9/2012: Vice President Joe Biden will also be helping the president  with a little bit of fundraising. He is expected to be in Utah on Tuesday for a reception at the home of one of Obama’s inaugural donors. The evening event costs $25,000 to co-chair but costs as little as $100 for Gen44 young professionals. Those who wish to take part in a photo reception with the vice president will have to pay $8,000 or $5,000 for couples and individuals respectively. Non-young professionals have to cough up $500 for general admission, while premium seating comes at $1,000 per head.

Biden partying with others: While the president appears to be taking a break from the fundraiser circuit, Biden will be helping other Democrats with their campaigns as well.

On Monday, Obama’s right hand man will be in Seattle appearing at an evening fundraising in honor of Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., along with Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash. Inslee is running for governor. Tickets cost $50 for general admission and $250 for premium admission.

It also appears to be the general consensus that the vice president will also appear in Missouri for a Kansas City fundraiser with Sen. Claire McCaskill on the same day, according to stltoday.com. However, Party Time has been unable to secure the details. If you know something, once again, be sure to share!

Another VP mentionee, another party: Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will be attending a reception for his leadership political action committee, Reclaim America PAC, on Wednesday. The event will cost $2,500 to host or $1,000 to $500 to attend (PAC and individuals respectively). A potential rival for the No. 2 slot on Romney’s ticket, meanwhile, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., is reportedly headlining a breakfast fundraiser for Romney in Quincy, Mass. According to the Quincy Herald-Whig (proud owner of our new favorite domain name: whig.com), tickets run from $100 to $1,000. Members of the Knapheide family, fifth-generation owners of a local truck manufacturing company, are hosting the breakfast.

The Getaways: There will be three opportunities to get away from the capital starting on Friday.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., will be hosting his Second Annual Family & Friends Weekend, in honor of his super PAC, Heartland Values PAC from Friday to Sunday. The get away trip will take place at the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.  PACs have to dish out $3,000 while individuals have to pay only half as much.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will have its own summer retreat in Martha’s Vineyard from Friday to Sunday. Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont., Bernie Sanders, D-Vt. and Chris Coons, D-Del., are expected to be at the retreat. There is no record of the cost in Party Time.

Finally, Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., will be hosting an afternoon at the ballpark at Chicago’s Wrigley field in honor of five Democratic congressional candidates for Illinois. Supporters will have to pay $5,000 to be on the “All-Star Team,” $2,500 to be “home run hitters,” or $1,000 to be a part of the “starting line-up.”