Hey, Partiers. It’s been sort of a tough week in the nation’s capital, what with the scandal at the Internal Revenue Service, the outrage at the Justice Department and the drumbeat of GOP criticism over Benghazi. I could go on for pages about how bad it’s been for the White House — but others have beaten me to it. Besides, things must not be as bad as they look — President Obama still managed to squeeze in three fundraisers on Monday, after some of these problems surfaced.

And in the Party arena, we had our our own controversy to deal with: Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who’s running to take over the Senate seat that opened when John Kerry was appointed secretary of state, disinvited former Congressman Ben Jones — known for playing “Cooter” on “Dukes of Hazzard” — from a fundraising event over Jones’ support of the Confederate flag. Apparently, Jones is not pleased. Markey is no stranger to controversial guests, having appeared earlier this year with disgraced former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer — a.k.a. Client 9 —   so maybe this time he thought he could avoid some flack in advance. I guess not.

If only there were some way to fix all of this…

But, to borrow a sentiment often expressed by our nation’s politicians, let’s not look to the past, but to the future…to next week’s parties!

Laaaadies’ Night!

Monday is busy for Sen Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., who is hosting two funders in one day! (Luckily, she scheduled them for different times so she doesn’t have to face the classic sitcom conundrum of juggling two dates at once).

First, Ayotte has a Health Care Lunch at Art & Soul, where guests can munch on smoked pork ribs and, if they chose, snicker at how disastrous the Affordable Care Act is. (The meal’s $500+ tag may or may not be served with a sphygmomanometer). Then at 6 p.m., it’s time to hit the town for Ladies’ Night! Six seems a little early for such an event, but it is on a Monday, after all. Drinks with the girls will set you back $500, or $1,000 if you want to co-host.

But if you can’t do Monday, fear not. The former New Hampshire attorney general likes to get her schmoozing done with before Hump Day — she’s got another event Tuesday.

We all scream for …

Illinois Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley will host his “Summer is Near” Ice Cream Social Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. You might think that $1,000 is a bit too much for ice cream, but just look at that flyer. It has cows. And puns. You can’t put a price tag on that stuff, especially when you compare it to some of the other exciting invitations Party Time is blessed with.

Just be sure not to spoil your dinner — there are plenty of other options Tuesday night if you’ve got a wad of hundreds tucked in your pants somewhere and you feel like giving it to a politician.

Secrets

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wy., will be collecting funds Tuesday evening at Charlie Palmer Steak House, along with a secret “VIP guest.” I couldn’t find out who the guest is, but I have a hunch, or at least a strong preference. Clint Eastwood, anybody?

UPDATE 5/20/2013: It turns out I don’t have ESP, as Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., will be the guests of honor.

Do I look like I need to diet?

Freshman New York Democratic Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney is behind the district’s bargain fundraiser for the week! You can get in Wednesday at Cava Mezze for just $200! But this is Washington after all, so there has to be a catch in the fine print. Yes, you are stuck with a “small dinner.” It’s okay though, fearless lobbyists and PAC managers, because there are plenty of other fundraisers going on that night — just check the calendar. Or, if you’re the kind of weary lobbyist that is simply sick and tired of being treated by politicians like an ATM machine — you don’t have to tell me, brother! — just have a “me” night up the street at DC-3, where you’ll find comfort in this ridiculous bacon-wrapped hot dog. But first — stick those unwanted invites right here.

Two Govs, One County

Speaking of bargains, everything’s cheaper in the Midwest. If you find yourself in Des Moines, Iowa this Thursday you can see two governors in one night! Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will travel to Iowa to appear at the Polk County GOP’s Annual Spring Dinner Thursday evening, along with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. (Walker is no stranger to out-of-state fundraising, and he has at least a couple more events outside the Badger State coming up.)

You can go stag to the event for just $75. But for $1,000, you get a photo op with Walker, a table for 10, tickets to a “host” reception and of course the biggest prize of all: The ever-so-prestigious ‘Host’ label itself. What a steal!

Well, that about does it. Don’t forget to send any invitations you may have our way, and, as always, check a mirror before you pose for any pictures with your favorite candidate. It’d be a shame to pay all that money just to have broccoli in your teeth. Until next time, partiers!

(Photo credit: CJ Sorg via Flickr.com)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week, Partiers.

The election’s finally decided; dark money groups are falling back into the shadows; TV and the Internet are no longer crammed with horrifying attack ads; and at least some people are finally getting back to what’s important – partying!

The columns of Party Time still run thin as most members of Congress either sit back and relax to celebrate their win, or take some time pining over what could have been. But for several Republicans in the Senate, there seems to be no respite from fundraising – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., even had an event the day after the election!

The big event this week is Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s Birthday Bash, being held at the Palace Theater within the amusement park Adventureland. The headliner for this event is Florida Sen. and potential GOP savior Marco Rubio. Could Rubio be preparing already for a 2016 bid? The event holds more importance than most funders, since it’s honoring the governors of one of America’s highest-profile swing states, and the caucuses that just so happen to kick off the quadrennial presidential sweepstakes. Last year’s bash took place during the battle for the Republican presidential nominee and every one, barring Mitt Romney, showed up to honor Branstad.

Earlier in the week, Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., hosts a dinner on Tuesday. Perhaps Toomey has the energy to fundraise because he got to sit out the 2012 election – he slipped by Democrat Joe Sestak 51% to 49% in a narrow victory of his own two years ago. The event takes place at Acqua Al 2, a popular Capitol Hill site, and will run guests up to $2,000.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., also didn’t have to worry about Election Day this year, defeating Democrat Paul Hodes in 2010. She will be returning to a Congressional favorite, Johnny’s Half Shell, for a breakfast running guests anywhere from $2,000 to $500.

Another senator who was able to relax this week was Dan Coats, R-Ind. He’s breaking out some conservative star power and hosting a breakfast with retiring Senate minority whip Jon Kyl R-Ariz. The bill for this meal could run you $2,000, but you can grab a seat for just $500.

But newly-elected Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., is proving to be quite a trouper. Fresh off a win in over former Sen. Bob Kerrey, she’ll be throwing an appropriately titled Nebraska Victory Reception at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. To get in and celebrate the good times will be up to $2,000.

And if you think these candidates are planning ahead, wait until you meet Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. Party Time has already received an invite to his “Teton Tee-Off and Wine+Art Escape” – taking place in August of 2013. Wow. Here’s hoping Barrasso supporters have marked their calendars, because they are going to have no excuses for missing this one.

Elections are won and lost, politicians come and go, but fundraisers are forever.

Until next time, Partiers!

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.

Happy end-of-June-week Party Timers! Summer has officially started but the days are hardly lazy for those who need handouts. It’s yet another busy money-grubbing week for our nation’s lawmakers with more than 40 events on the Party Time calendar. Here are the highlights:

Obama making up for last week: As far as Party Time knows, our nation’s fundraiser-in-chief uncharacteristically slowed his partying pace last week with his campaign only holding two events, none of which President Obama attended personally. It seems now as if the campaign has recovered its knack for holding an astonishing amount of fundraisers, starting with three on Monday.

Obama’s fundraising week starts with a campaign roundtable in Boston, which the president himself will attend at the private residence of a supporter. Tickets are $40,000 per head. It doesn’t seem as if the president intends to stay at the roundtable for long however, for at 4 p.m., minutes after the initial 3:45 p.m. event, Obama is slotted to make another appearance at a reception at Boston’s Symphony Hall, featuring a special performance by Grammy award winning Israeli violinist Miri Ben-Ari. Tickets for this “cheaper” event range from $144 for young professionals in the Gen44 balcony to $10,000 to co-host the event.

The president will then travel over to Weston, Mass. for a dinner in his honor at the home of another supporter. Individuals will have to hand over $17,900 while couples get in for $35,800.

The next day, the president flies into Atlanta for an early reception costing $500 to $10,000. He will then fly into Florida to attend a dinner hosted by American singer-songwriter and impressario Marc Anthony. Tickets for this particular event start at a whopping $40,000 for guests and go all the way up to $75,800 for event co-hosts. The ask for the co-host tickets actually breaks Obama’s old Party Time record for the highest requested contribution, at an event where the price was the same, but was divided among five people, instead of resting on the shoulders (or rather in the pockets) of one.

Anthony and the president will then head over to the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach for yet another fundraiser in the president’s honor, with a special performance by the singer. Tickets for this one start at $100 for the mezzanine section and going up to $5,000 to co-host.

While her husband is wooing supporters in Georgia and Florida, the first lady will be travelling to the couple’s hometown of Chicago for a Gen44 reception. Early bird tickets are $44 for young professionals, while those for a group photo reception for up to five people cost $2,500. The Chicago Tribune reports that the first lady also will attend a lunch with Glee star Jane Lynch. According to the Trib, tickets for that event start at $250. Special thanks to Chicago Tribune’s Katherine Skiba for providing this particular invite. Our friend Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times has the full price breakdown here. Lynn also reports that Vice President Joe Biden will be back in Chicago Monday for his second fundraiser in a week. Details and price points in her blog here.

On Thursday the first lady will be in Memphis for another reception in honor of her husband’s campaign. Tickets for this event will start at $500, but co-chairs have to hand over a steep $35,000. The campaign will then head over to the Empire State for another reception that same day. The special guest for this event is yet to be determined, but tickets are relatively affordable at $100 for young professionals, $1,000 for guests and $2,500 for VIPs.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender African American leaders in DC will then host a reception with openly gay former football star, Wade Davis in honor of the president. Tickets start at $100. And finally, the campaign will be hosting yet another Gen44 evening reception, this time in Los Angeles, Calif. Tickets can cost as much as $2,500 to host.

Romney not slacking off: Fresh from his swanky Utah weekend with big donors and potential running mates, Mitt Romney, will be checking the drawing power of another possible veep nominee. On Tuesday, the president’s GOP rival will attend a fundraiser in New Jersey with the state’s governor, Chris Christie. The Daily Caller’s Alex Pappas has all the details. (Many thanks, Alex, for shooting us the invite!) The next day, Romney will be in the nation’s capital for an intimate Georgetown dinner with all his best friends who can afford the $50,000 ticket price, according to the invite obtained by the Washington Post. Less well-heeled Romney backers can get into a Monday evening fundraiser for as little as $100. It’s hosted by two lawmakers who are getting lots of mention as potential Romney veep picks: Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. The Post has this invite too.

A Week for the Women: There are four female-focused events taking place this week. On Monday, ShePAC, a political action committee dedicated to electing and supporting conservative women, will be holding a D.C. Kickoff Reception at the Capitol Hill Club featuring former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. The event will include a VIP roundtable  briefing, a VIP photo-op and reception with Rice and a general reception. Tickets cost between $250 and $50,000.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will be serenaded Monday at a hometown fundraiser in San Francisco featuring MC Hammer and ex-Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart’s band. Tickets range from $100 to $5,000. Hat tip to Huffington Post for this one.

Democratic Congressional Candidate for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, George Badey, will be holding a discussion of women’s health issues at a reception in his homestate. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, D-Pa., will host the Monday event. Tickets start at $250.

Although it’s not a political fundraiser, but Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., will be speaking at the National Capital Area Council, LFL’s 8th Annual Woman of the Year Award Breakfast on Thursday. Tickets to this event, which benefits the National Capital Area Council, cost between $200 and $10,000.

Lawmakers love birthday money: There’s nothing quite like getting a little bit of extra cash on your birthday, and some lawmakers seem to agree. Both Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., will be holding birthday fundraisers in their honor on Tuesday.

Rep. Fitzpatrick’s birthday celebration will be held at the Fado Irish Pub and cost well-wishers $500 to $2,000. Sen. Ayotte’s party reception meanwhile will be held at the Cava Mezze Restaurant for the same ask.

Other interesting events: The unlucky marksmen and markswomen who missed  last week’s trap & skeet event hosted by Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, are in luck. Rep. Steve Fincher, R-Tenn., will be holding a Trap & Skeet Shoot event on Monday at the same Prince George’s Country Trap & Skeet Center. The event is even a little cheaper than  Sen. Crapo’s event with tickets starting at $250.

D.C. residents who used to live in Maine will have a chance to get a taste of home this week as Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, hosts a Wednesday taste of Maine summer party. Mainers, or wanna bes, can pay between $100 to $2,500 for the experience.

We’re wrapping up the month of June and so of course, many have their eyes and hearts set on July 4th, the nation’s Independence Day. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is providing early entertainment for the patriots hosting an “Independence day summer Bbq“ on Thursday. So grab your flags, your whistles and your best flag-branded wear (along with $1,000 to $2,000 in contributions) and come prepared to celebrate the nation’s birth.

Finally, on Friday there will be a fairly typical lunch for a congressional candidate with an untypical resume. Tulsi Gabbard, became the youngest person ever elected to Hawaii state office, in 2002, winning a seat in the legislature at age 21. Ten years later and now a member of the Honolulu City Council, Gabbard has decided to run for the U.S. House seat that Democratic Rep. Mazie Hirono is vacating to run for Senate. Gabbard debuts in Party Time with a lunch in her honor. Requested contributions are $250, $500 and $1,000.

Updated, 3:50 p.m., 6/18/2012: It’s going to be an incredibly busy week Party Timers! The nation’s lawmakers seem to have returned to fundraising with a vengeance as they vie to gain or maintain their positions. This week, Party Time has almost 50 events on record while the presidential candidates seem to be taking a breather this week. Both President Obama and GOP nominee Mitt Romney have a few events lined up for this week, but most of the action is for House and Senate candidates. The highlights:

Obama campaign in Chicago and California: Obama’s right hand, Vice President Joe Biden is supposed to be in the president’s hometown Monday for a lunch at the Chicago Cut Steakhouse. The time of this event was not yet distributed when Party Time acquired the invite but tickets are $5,000 a head, $10,000 if attendees wish to play host.

On Thursday, Obama supporters in the Golden State are invited to attend a Gen44 House Party at a private home. At $100, these tickets are a bit more affordable than the Chicago lunch. The event will give many Obama 2012ers a chance to rub shoulders with California state lawmakers such as state Senator of the 3rd district Mark Leno (D-Calif.) and Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, to name a few.

Romney hits the homies: GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has two fundraisers set for Wednesday in Michigan, the state where he was born and raised. Have an invite? Send it our way.

Hatch hearts the Monocle: One week before he faces primary opponent Dan Liljenquist, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, is holding not one but two fundraisers at the Monocle, a restaurant that, as Salt Lake Tribune reporter Matt Canham notes, is one of the veteran lawmaker’s favorite hangouts. Breakfast Tuesday or Thursday will cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Rick Santorum, the former GOP presidential candidate — and Hatch’s former Senate colleague – endorsed Liljenquist last week.

Newcomer candidates making a splash on the campaign board: This week, five candidates relatively new to the Party Time scene will be showing up some of the old school members of Congress.

Republican Senate  candidate Josh Mandel, who is running in Ohio, will be having three back-to-back fundraisers Monday. The first will be a lunch at Johnny’s Half Shell. Prices for this event range from $500 to $2,000 for individuals and $1,000 to $5,000 for PACs. A few hours after his lunch, Mandel will be hosting a similarly-priced reception at which Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., will be a special guest.  A half-hour later, the candidate is slated to hold yet another reception at the National Republican Senatorial Committee Headquarters for the same price.

Democratic Congressional candidate Jamie Wall, running for the 8th district of Wisconsin, will hold a reception Monday as well with tickets ranging from $250 to $5,000. Reps. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Gwen Moore, D-Wis., Ron Kind, D-Wis. and former Rep. Thomas McMillen, D-Md. are scheduled to be at the event.

Another Democratic congressional candidate, Hayden Rogers —  pursuing the seat for North Carolina’s 11th district — will be the beneficiary of  a Tuesday lunch featuring Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., costing between $250 to $2,500.

New Jersey state Sen. Joe Kyrillos, a Republican who is challenging Democratic incumbent Sen. Robert Menendez, will be holding a reception at the National Republican Senatorial Committee’s headquarters Wednesday. Sens. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. and Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. are expected to attend to the event. Individuals can attend for $250 or sponsor for $5,000 per ticket.

Last but certainly not least, Linda Lingle, Hawaii’s former Republican governor who is now running for Senate, will hold back-to-back events In DC. On Wednesday, Lingle will hosts a roundtable discussion and luncheon at Bistro Bis, featuring Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and former Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va. Tickets range from $500 to $5,000 for this event.

The next day, Lingle will be feted at a Johnny’s Half Shell reception with Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Susan Collins, R-Maine, Olympia Snowe, R-Maine and Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H. This event is a bit cheaper: Tickets run from $500 for individuals to $2,500 to host.

Out of the Normal: As usual, some congressmen and congresswomen just are not satisfied with the usual receptions, breakfasts and other such events so we have a handful of more quirky events lined up for you this week.

Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, will be having a Track & Skeet Shoot and Lunch on Monday at the Prince George’s County Trap & Skeet Center on Monday. Tickets range from $500 to $2,000.

Iowans who live in the capital have a chance for a taste of home on Monday. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, will be hosting his 5th Annual Taste of Iowa featuring taste dishes and treats from all over the state including Stone Cliff wines, Maytag cheese and the 2007 Best of Iowa Pork Tenderloin winner.  Young Professional Iowans (and those who just long for a taste of a different state) can get in for $25, while PAC hosts have to pay as much as $2,500.

Rep. Pat Meehan, R-Pa., will be hosting a Cheesesteak & Yuengling reception on Tuesday. If you like either cheesesteak or the Pennsylvania brew, or both, be prepared to dig up between $500 and $2,000 to enjoy.

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., will be having a Summer Barbecue reception, also on Tuesday. The suggested contribution for this event is a straight $1,000.

And, as cheesesteak seems to be the flavor of the month, Rep. Allyson Schwartz, D-Pa., will be having a Philadelphia Cheesesteak Bash. The lovers of this classic Philly treat should be prepared to cough up between $500 and $2,500, however.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., will be enticing summer-loving donors with a Wednesday Summer Kick-Off Reception. Tickets cost $1,000 for guests.

Joining Schiff in his welcoming of the much warmer weather is Rep. Lois Capps, also a Democrat from California. Her Summer Fiesta reception will also be on Wednesday  and will also cost $1,000 for attendees.

Finally, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., holds his Third Annual Burgers & Beer on the the same day and cost the same price as the summer celebrations. You can trade ceremony but you still have to pay the price.

The Getaways: We have a handful of different outdoorsy events happening this week.

Golfers can get clubs and cart ready as Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., is planning a golf trip at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia on Monday. Tickets cost $1,000 for individuals.

For those who enjoy being on the water, Rep. Andrew Harris, R-Md. is planning an afternoon cruise on the Finished Business at the Capital Yacht Charters in D.C. for a mere $250 per person. This event is also on Monday.

Music lovers will also get a chance to visit the Music City of Nashville, Tenn. for a fundraising benefitting the leadership PAC of Sen. Alexander, R-Tenn. Tenn PAC is raising money at a 2nd annual Music City weekend. The event runs from Friday to Sunday. Party Time doesn’t have much more information as it pertains to the ask for this event or the location, but if you do let us know!

Finally, Rep. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y., will be wooing supporters in his home state for his leadership PAC (Grimm PAC) on a Staten Island, N.Y. trip from Friday to Saturday. Tickets cost $2,500 for individuals. The big bucks get supporters into a Staten Island Yankees Baseball Game, a VIP tour of Staten Island and Brooklyn and a Staten Island Dancing with the Stars event with Rep. Grimm himself.

For freshman members of Congress looking to expand their influence in the legislature establishing a leadership PAC is a well-travelled route. Of the 12 freshmen Republicans in the Senate, nine have formed leadership PACs (although four of those Republicans did so during their terms as House Members). Only Sens. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., have yet to form a leadership PAC. Party Time has received invitations to several events benefitting these various PACs, two of which are scheduled for this week.

Tomorrow evening, Rand Paul’s, R-Ky., leadership PAC (RAND PAC), will be at the offices of R.B. Murphy and Associates for cocktails and dinner. The fundraiser will be hosted by a number of lobbyists and PACs including Hunter Bates, who was once chief of staff to Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. The Senate Minority Leader himself will also be at the dinner. This is the first event invitation in the Party Time records to feature both Kentucky senators since Paul was elected.  Suggested contributions for the RAND PAC event run from $500 to $2,500.

The following night of June 29, Kelly PAC, the leadership PAC of Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., will be holding a Defense Industry Dinner at Bobby Van’s Grill. Details on the invitation are few so it is unknown which representatives of the “defense industry” will be present, but Sen. Ayotte has been building her national defense gravitas since arriving in the Senate in January.  Her leadership PAC, established in February, has been holding regular events since May. Listed contributions range from $500 for an individual to $2,000 for a PAC co-host.

*Correction: This post was updated after it was discovered that McConnell hosted a fundraiser for Paul during his senatorial campaign.

For at least the third time in a month, the GOP Senate candidate from New Hampshire is visiting D.C. to fundraise.

Looking to pad her already substantial cash lead, state attorney general Kelly Ayotte has booked a fundraising breakfast tomorrow morning at the Caucus Room, a downtown restaurant, which asks donors for between $500 and $2,000, according to an e-mail invitation from fundraising consultants.

In a separate email promoting the visit, consultant Jon Graham wrote that she is “going to be in DC one more time before the election” and included polls showing Ayotte ahead of Rep. Paul Hodes, D-N.H., by at least five percentage points.

A call to Ayotte’s campaign to confirm that the fundraiser is taking place was not returned at the time of posting.

In the past month, Ayotte made at least two other visits to D.C., according to Party Time records. She held five events on Sept. 27 and 28 and another three on Oct. 5.

Both trips included fundraisers at the Capitol Hill townhouse of lobbyist Rick Murphy, who welcomed other Senate outsider and GOP candidates this fall, including Alaska’s Joe Miller and Indiana’s Dan Coats.

Hodes, who recently released this TV ad, came to D.C. in September, holding a fundraiser at the Capitol Hill townhouse of lobbying group Cornerstone Government Affairs, according to Party Time records.

Ayotte already has a $1.1 million war chest, compared to about $550,000 for Hodes, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Outside spending has largely been on the side of Ayotte. Of the nearly $4.4 million reported, over half (here and here) comes from electioneering communications by the Chamber of Commerce, which has endorsed Ayotte and bought an ad criticizing Hodes. Another $900,000 has been spent by outside groups opposing Hodes, according Sunlight’s Follow the Unlimited Money tracker. Neither the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee nor the Republican National Senatorial Committee have made ad buys in the race.