Health care lobbyists throw parties, too
Today’s Washington Post analysis on the massive lobbying forces deployed by industry groups on the health care debate features numerous prominent lobbyists who have close ties to key lawmakers (Sunlight’s Paul Blumenthal blogs about it here). At Party Time we can treat you to a glimpse at the social calendars of some mentioned in the story who are also active on the congressional fundraising circuit:
- David Castagnetti, a former chief of staff for Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), whose clients include PhRMA and America’s Health Insurance Plans;
- Colette Desmarais, a former health care policy advisor for Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), who now lobbies for numerous health care interests at her job with Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti;
- Kelly Bingell, who also works for Mehlman Vogel Catagnetti, and formerly was chief of staff for Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR);
- Stephen Northrup, who worked for Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY), and now lobbies for Wellpoint, one of the world’s largest insurance conglomerates;
- former Rep. Dick Armey, now a lobbyist for DLA Piper.
This was just a quick look based on the Post’s story–we’ll be looking more at revolving door health care lobbyists who also party.
Tweet 0 CommentsPARTYFINDER™ Hints
Beneficiary: congressional candidate, lawmaker, or entity which collects funds raised at party
Host: person who is hosting party-often, but not always, a registered federal lobbyist
Venue Name: where the party is
Entertainment Type: type of gathering, such as "breakfast," "ski trip," "bowling"
Other Lawmakers Mentioned: lawmakers mentioned on invitation who are used as a draw for the event
Sunlight's Party Time is a project to track parties for members of Congress or congressional candidates that happen all year round in Washington, D.C. and beyond. (read more)
We also post information we receive about parties where members of Congress are expected to participate—such as convention or inaugural parties.
Since we don't hear about all the parties, you can also tell us if you know where the party is and we don't.
