Recent reports  (Politico here, the Hill here) say that lobbyist sponsored holiday parties for members of Congress will be modest this year, thanks to the recession, and, some say, tougher ethics rules. However, our Party Time database nevertheless documents more than 135 congressional fundraising parties this month–and counting–several with holiday themes.

While an ethics law passed in 2007 placed new restrictions lobbyist-sponsored bashes for lawmakers, these do not apply to fundraising events. Lobbyists may host or attend fundraisers with no restrictions other than the campaign contribution limits and reporting requirements under federal campaign finance law.

Upcoming holiday-themed fundraising parties include:

• a holiday breakfast next Tuesday for Rep. Mazie Hirono at the Democratic Club townhouse;
• a holiday reception yesterday evening for Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid at the Hotel George;
• A holiday weekend in New York December 11-13 benefiting Rep. Carolyn Maloney, featuring several meals, two tickets to the Broadway production of South Pacific, and entre to “two issues breakfasts during 2010 in Washington, DC.” (Perhaps they meant 2011?) Cost is $5,000 per PAC, given or raised, or $4,800 per individual, the legal maximum.

Party Time’s database shows only 38 congressional fundraisers held in December 2008. It is difficult to say whether this year’s increase is because there is more partying, or because we’re a year away from an election instead of one month after one, or–another possiblity–because our anonymous lobbyist sources have given us more invitations this holiday season than last.

Legislators are kicking off some fun weekend excursions starting today, and no doubt they’re hoping these festivities will have them rolling in cash by Monday. Whether you’re the sort of donor who enjoys  a relaxing wine tasting in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, or the type who is eager to see if Eric Clapton can top his best live solo to date, it’s a safe bet you will be able to find what you’re looking for.

Rep. Richard Neal (MA-2) is hosting a “Summer Weekend on Cape Cod” for his Madison PAC and asking for contributions of $5,000. The event is taking place at Chatham Bars Inn where guests can look forward to a weekend of golfing, tennis, fishing, and even antique car tours. Sounds like my ideal weekend, but I don’t think I could stretch my stipend that far even if I spent the rest of the summer eating Totino’s.

The wine tasting weekend “Pinot in Portland” is hosted by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) and his invitation asks for a contribution of $5,000. It isn’t clear from the invite, but if the plans were up to me, the weekend would start at the Hotel Vintage Plaza in Portland, which offers a Pinot in Portland package– just a short 20 minute drive north of “the heart of wine country.”

Reps. Mazie Hirono (HI-2) and Joe Crowley (NY-7) are also hosting fundraisers with home state themes. Hirono is hosting her Third Annual Taste of Hawaii Reception in DC on the 15th. The Congresswoman is asking $5,000 for PAC hosts, $2,500 for PAC sponsors, $1,000 for PAC guests, $2,400 for individual hosts, $1,000 for individual sponsors, and $500 for individual guests. Crowley’s “I Love NY” weekend starts tonight (June 12, 2009) at 5pm in New York City and he’s asking for contributions of $5,000 from PACs and $2,000 from individuals.

Arguably the highlight of the weekend, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (RI-1) is hosting a fundraiser at Eric Clapton’s Verizon Center performance in Washington DC with Steve Winwood. The invitation requests contributions of $5,000 or $2,500 but it’s unclear as to what these contributions will net the donor. One thing is clear: any Clapton or Winwood fans that are willing to shell out the requested contributions will have one hell of a good time.