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

Well, Partiers, it looks like it’s finally happening – the party is winding down. People are clearing out, the fridge is nearly bare, and the last bag of chips has been reduced to mere crumbs. Even the lobbyists left. But it’s not quite time to start the big clean up just yet.

With the election just a couple weeks away, politicians are amping up their campaign efforts in a last ditch effort to persuade every undecided voter. This is true up to the highest level, as both the Romney and Obama camps have noted that their candidates will not be appearing at any more fundraising events after this weekend. This leaves less time for “partying” (what we call fundraising around here), and Party Time has noticed the difference. Our records show the number of political fundraisers is steadily declining as lawmakers hit the road, falling from the convention season high of 414 per week to this week’s low of only 22. (Download every invite PT has ever collected here to look at the data yourself!)

But there are still plenty of interesting fundraisers happening all throughout the week. Peek below for an overview of next week’s best. And we’re always looking for more invites, especially as they become more scarce – upload any you have right here. Thanks!

Romney’s Final Fundraiser?; Ryan Still on the Road
Overall, the Ryan/Romney ticket has raked in a respectable amount of green, surpassing their goal of $800 million for the election and raising $170 million in September alone. In fact, the Romney Victory Fund has been so successful that the campaign is canceling high-paying events in order to make more appearances in crucial swing states.

Making good on this plan, Rep. Paul Ryan has attended two funders in the crucial state of Florida. The first was a $25,000 dinner at the Old Collier Country Club in Naples, the second was slightly different – a $10,000 VIP reception and then a $25,000 dinner, this time at the beautiful St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton. But the main event comes on Saturday, as Romney himself attends what could be his last fundraiser, a $50,000 dinner in Palm Beach. What makes this interesting is that it’s hosted by Marc Leder – you may remember him as the “47% fundraiser” host. Leder has said he feels like he owes Romney after the last fiasco – will he redeem himself or will there be more drama the second time around?

Workhorse Ryan will be on the trail again Saturday for his third event in as many days, this time attending a $5,000 reception. It takes place in Short Hills, NJ, a town that’s known for having a mall so extraordinary that it has it’s own wikipedia page. He’ll follow that up with a VIP Reception on Oct. 26 boasting a truly all-star team of Republicans -South Carolina Sens. Lindsey Graham, Jim DeMint, and more will be on hand to talk shop and take pictures. But bring a good camera at least – photos run you $25,000 per couple.

Because Ryan and Romney have been so busy, they’re letting some proud surrogates take the reins for them. Dick Cheney and Josh Romney (who recently became famous in his own right by looking quite menacing during the last presidential debate) will stump for the Republican presidential hopeful at a luncheon that runs guests anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000. According to the Romney sons, Josh is likely the one to follow their father’s trail of public service – could this be the beginning of transforming him into a major political player?

Hollywood Helps Obama
The stars of LA are out in full force in the upcoming week to drive Obama to victory (not that he necessarily needs their help). The first event on Oct. 22 features a performance by “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” singer Cyndi Lauper, who actually does still perform, and thespian Alan Cumming, whose career has spanned the James Bond classic “GoldenEye” to “Spy Kids.” The fundraiser also includes a silent auction, and will cost guests the low price of $500 to get in.

Later in the week Michelle Obama will be attending a fundraiser at the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s house, along with A-list actors and West Coast VIPs: Salma Hayek, Kawanna Brown, Rebecca Carter (Lady Gaga manager Troy Carter’s wife), Mai Lassiter (wife of Will Smith producing partner James Lassiter), and Jada Pinkett Smith. To get a photo opportunity with the first lady, supporters must pay $10,000 per couple, and to be an event co-host, the cost is $40,000. But it only costs a dirt-cheap $2,500 to get in the door to this high-profile event!

Finally, the latest (and last) Chords and Conversation with James Taylor will take place on Oct. 26. Taylor has been an avid supporter of Obama since 2008 (though he supported Sen. John Kerry beforehand), and has hosted events throughout the years. The performance will cost $2,500 as a guest, but $20,000 as an event co-chair.

Ronald Reagan Dinner Brings Republicans Together
Though all conservatives have the same ideology, they do have disagreements. But if there is one thing that they can agree on, it’s that Ronald Reagan was the greatest American hero to ever walk this Earth. And Republicans are celebrating his legacy at the Iowa GOP Ronald Reagan Dinner on Oct. 24. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, and conservative talk show host Jack Hunter will be in attendance to benefit the Iowa GOP. Tickets are still available, ranging from $5,000 to $50.

Deb Fischer Teams Up With Rubio – Again
One month after her Cupcakes and Champagne reception, Nebraska Senate candidate Deb Fischer is again calling upon Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to help propel her to victory. This time around there is reception costing up to $2,000 per couple – though no cupcakes are promised at this fundraiser. What a rip-off!

Though the fundraising season seems to be winding down, it certainly won’t end completely. Look for fundraising to continue well after the election – after all, the candidates have to pay for their increased campaigning somehow!

Until next time, Partiers!

Although presidential hopeful Mitt Romney trailed Barack Obama’s Sept. fundraising efforts, staffers of the Romney Victory Fund remain confident in the campaign’s financial strength in the weeks leading up to election day. In fact, they are so optimistic that they have voluntarily canceled a $25,000 per couple breakfast with Rep. Paul Ryan. But even if they did have a surplus of cash, why would the campaign refuse such a massive pay-off?

In a letter to (former) attendees – which you can see below – Romney Victory fundraising consultant Krystle Alvarado explains:

Since Governor Romney’s first debate a couple of weeks ago, online contributions have gone through the roof… We weighed the two options of taking [Rep. Paul Ryan] out of the battleground states for high dollar events or keeping him where he needs to be, connecting with the voters in Ohio, Virginia, Florida and the rest of the ever expanding map.

This strategy explains the abandonment of Ryan’s lucrative $25,000 breakfast, despite the hefty price tag. It was to have taken place in solidly Republican Midland, Texas, the former home of Presidents George H. W. Bush and his son, George W. Bush. But the lure of oil patch cash wasn’t enough for Ryan at this late stage of the election. Instead of heading to Texas, whose 38 electoral votes appear destined to go to Romney, the Republican nominee’s runningmate is journeying into the crucial battleground states that will decide the election.

Potential VP Ryan has been a workhorse for the Romney campaign, attending at least 13 fundraisers in the month of October and about three dozen since being picked as Romney’s running mate in early August. His efforts alone have raked in hundreds of thousands of dollars for the former Massachusetts Gov.

Ryan’s mission to woo undecided voters (and get some green) continues this week when he and Romney will waltz through Florida, attending three fundraisers in as many days to benefit Romney Victory. The first is a private dinner at Old Collier Country Club in Naples that will, conveniently, cost $25,000 per plate. The very next day, Ryan will again be the guest of honor at a VIP reception and dinner in Boca Raton. Snapping a photo with the potential veep will run you $10,000, but dinner will again run you a cool $25,000. But the main event occurs on Oct. 20, when Romney himself appears at a $50,000-a-plate dinner at a private residence in Palm Beach.

With fundraising efforts eclipsing expectations, the Palm Beach fundraiser may also be Romney’s last according to Brian Ballard, a finance co-chairman for Romney in Florida. The decision comes amid Obama’s own call to quit fundraising in order to focus on campaigning.

The letter from Alvarado may praise the size of the Romney campaign’s “strength” and bank account, but she’s quick to remind supporters that the race – and the fundraising – isn’t over yet:

“This is not to say that we don’t need your help raising money!”

(Updated 10/13/2012 6:00 p.m.)

Vice President Joe Biden and new best friend Congressman Paul Ryan fought it out at “The Thrill in the ‘Ville” yesterday, verbally sparring in a lively and heated debate. Win, lose or draw, both President Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney are hoping their VPs performance helped rocket them into the lead for the White House. Mere weeks now remain before Nov. 6, and each presidential candidate is ratcheting up their fundraising efforts for that final bump – or are they?

President Obama says he is done with fundraising. Finished. Forever! At least that’s what his national finance committee wrote to supporters, saying, “I can’t believe I am sending this email. The final finance event with President Obama is here.” Find out what the big finale event is and more below!

Obama’s Victory Fund Isn’t Done Yet
Although the president himself may not appear at future events, the Obama Victory Fund is still on fire, hosting no less than 10 events in the upcoming week. Several of these will be headlined by Joe “Bunch of Stuff” Biden, ramping up his financial efforts with three events in four days. He’ll start Saturday by attending a musical evening at a private residence in Connecticut. To hear the dulcet tones of TV actress Audra McDonald, you’ll have to pay at least $1,000, with costs rising up to $20,000. He’ll then travel to Sin City on the 15th for a $25,000/$5,000 per plate dinner at the Bellagio, one of Las Vegas’s iconic hotel-casinos. The revenue rush continues the very next day for Biden, slated to appear at a toned-down “Hometown Assembly” in the swing state of Colorado. Prices go as low as $50 for general admission, but it’ll take $7,500 for a group photo with the VP.

Other than Joe, supporters in NYC can join Obama’s better half at a reception in Long Island, with prices to chat up Michelle rising to as much as $10,000. If you prefer a little international flare with your fundraisers, you can throw back a Guinness at a reception in Ireland! Watch out for the tab though, that pint will cost up to $5,000.

Republicans Raking Dough for Romney
Not to be outdone by Biden, potential Vice President Ryan has been going on his own spree of fundraisers for Romney Victory, Inc. He’ll be at Spanish tapas restaurant Solera in Minneapolis’ Theater District, but it comes with a maximum $50,000 price tag.

And Romney’s big fundraisers are invited this week to a two-night slumber party starting Monday at Manhattan’s iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel. They’ll be able to schmooze with Ryan as well as plutocrat-turned-would-be presidential kingmaker Donald Trump and join a Tuesday debate-watching party with comedian Dennis Miller. These details are all courtesy of Boston Globe reporter Matt Viser’s account. We also thank him for sharing the schedule.

Ann Romney will also be out fundraising for her husband, appearing at a swanky soiree at the Hilton in Harrisburg, Pa. To walk and talk with Mrs. Romney, it is a mere $1,000 per couple, but to wine and dine with her, it is $15,000 per couple.

Flake’s Fundraising Frenzy
Republican Jeff Flake (born in Snowflake, AZ – weird on many levels) is the representative of Arizona’s sixth district, but he’s currently locked in a dead heat with Democrat Richard Carmona, who served as surgeon general for the nation’s last Republican president, George W. Bush. We know what that means – bring on the fundraisers! Flake’s scheduled at least eight from now ’til election day. Next week, he’s organized an “Afternoon at the Creek” at Hidden Valley Ranch – no, not the famed creamy salad dressing creator. It’s actually property owned by fellow Arizona politician John McCain, and it’s known as his “Sedona Ranch” (though it’s not even in Sedona, but rather a neighboring town). But judging by this Google Maps image, it’s certainly hidden.

Don’t count out Carmona though, as he’s been hauling in a fair chunk of change recently as well. A recent Politico article notes that the Democratic nominee has raised approximately $2.2 million dollars in the third quarter alone. Financial reports for the period are due to land at the Federal Election Commission on Monday.

Toss Ups!
Republican Rodney Davis is hoping his campaign for an Illinois congressional seat gains some momentum from a fundraising appearance by conservative big dog John Boehner. The dinner and reception will also have members Aaron Schock, John Shimkus, and Adam Kinzinger, costing folks between $5,000 and $250. It is also ranked as a “toss up” by Real Clear Politics and the Cook Political Report, both of which have Davis tied up with Democratic opponent David Gill.

In Virginia, former Gov. Tim Kaine is competing against Republican George Allen (also a former governor and a former senator) in a close race for the seat Allen once held. To boost his funds, Kaine’s hosting a reception in Charlottesville, Va., where supporters can shell out from $1,000 to $100 to attend. Allen has held multiple events in October as well, and hopes to reclaim his former place in the Senate.

Fundraising while Beer Tasting!
Rep. Judy Biggert may have figured out the key to an irresistible fundraiser – make sure there is plenty of beer there! In this week’s “Most Fun Fundraiser,” The Illinois Republican is hosting a craft beer tasting to benefit her campaign. Tickets to the event range from $1,000 to $100, with a variety of potent potables to be served. PT has a hunch that this may be a successful fundraiser!

Those are the highlights to next week’s political finance events. As always, let us know if you’ve got an invite by uploading it here. Stay tuned to see if Obama’s pledge to end fundraising rings true – or if it’s just a bunch of malarkey!

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.

It is an unbelievably slow week ahead Party Timers. Official Washington has decamped and, like much of the region, the party circuit appears to have lost power. How slow is it? Mitt Romney is vacationing in New Hampshire; President Obama is spending a few days in Camp David and the president’s campaign is taking its money prospecting overseas this week.

Here at Party Time, we’re taking advantage of the calm before the fall fundraising storm to take a look at how Mitt Romney’s veep prospects are doing on the partying circuit.

First, the events:

A late arrival: One bit of mopup from last week: On Saturday, Rep.  Gerry Connolly, D-Va., ended the congressional workweek — and kicked off the 4th of July recess — with a reception at the Country Club of Fairfax. Attendees made contributions between $100 and $1,000 to rub shoulders with the congressman.

Obama campaign in Paris: The  Obama Victory Fund must be taking another breather after last week’s non-stop gallivanting. The campaign only has one fundraising event planned and it’s not even in the U.S.! Americans Abroad for Obama, a group dedicated to, as its name implies, Obama 2012ers who are not currently not living in the homeland, will be throwing a reception in Paris on Wednesday. Ex-pats in France, or in countries near enough to pop by, are invited to contribute $250 or $1,500 to attend or host respectively.

Prospective GOP VPs partying hard: On Saturday, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, one of GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s potential vice president nominees will be the honoree at a reception at a private home in New Hampshire. Tickets to this event cost $250 for individuals and include a photo op, while hosts are asked to cash out $500 for a program mention and the photo op.

Is the Romney campaign doing tryouts on the fundraising circuit? Note that both Portman, and other potential veep, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., were special guests at one of Romney’s receptions last week, while Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., yet mentionee for the runningmate’s slot was also helping Romney raise funds last week as well. And looking ahead to next week, Reclaim America PAC, Sen. Marco Rubio’s, R-Fla., leadership political action committee,  will also be joining in the parties.

Perhaps the one who raises more funds, or the one who helps Romney raise more fun will gain the coveted right hand man chair?

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.

Super Bowl Party in Indianapolis – Rep. John Conyers, Jr. D-Mich., and America Forward PAC is scheduled to head to Super Bowl XLVI to watch the New York Giants go against the New England Patriots. The $5,000 super fan package includes one Super bowl ticket and two tickets to attend a luncheon.

Last year, the Moving America Forward PAC hosted a Super Bowl XLIV game and & Luncheon in Miami.

Huskies vs. Hoyas – On Wednesday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is scheduled to be at a fundraiser at the Verizon Center to watch the UConn Huskies take on the Georgetown Hoyas.  To attend the fundraiser and game, the suggested contribution is $1,500. According to the Ticketmaster website, there are still tickets available for $41.30, including fee.

Birthday Celebration – Rep. Larry Kissell, D-N.C., is scheduled to have a birthday reception on Tuesday, with Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C.  The suggested contribution to attend the birthday celebration starts at $5,000 to host and $500 for individual tickets.

Money Makin’ Thursday – According to Party Time records, Thursday will be busy day for both sides of the aisle. Rep. Tim Griffin, R-Ark., is scheduled to have a reception with special guest Rep. Paul Ryan, R- Wis. The Tuesday Group PAC is also scheduled to have a reception in the evening. After checking to see if the groundhog will see its shadow, Rep. Mark Critz, D-Pa. is scheduled to have a Groundhog Day breakfast.  The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will be hosting the Good Life Council Lunch with Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.

Coffee and Bagels – The RAD-PAC, associated with the American College of Radiology, is scheduled to host a Coffee and Bagels Meet and Greet with Republican Reps. Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn., and Tom Price,R-Ga., M.D.

Beer: it’s not just for diffusing racial tensions. It’s also for political fundraising. As are wine, bourbon, cocktails, margaritas, and mojitos–all used as attractions for recent fundraisers by members of Congress, according to our Party Time database. It’s as if lawmakers and lobbyists are living out the famous lines of the George Thorogood song: “One bourbon, one scotch, one beer.”

Tomorrow President Barack Obama is welcoming Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Cambridge police Sgt. James Crowley to the White House, where they’re planning to quaff some suds. It’s an an attempt to put to rest the controversy over Gates’ recent arrest by Crowley and Obama’s comments soon thereafter.

Meanwhile, lawmakers routinely count on the relaxing properties of alcohol to get donors to open their wallets. But the drinks don’t come cheap.

Tonight alone Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) is charging $5,000 for those who want to sponsor his “Beers, Brats, Wines, and Squeaky Cheese” fundraiser at the UPS Townhouse. There’s no mention on the invite of whether he’ll be doling out alka seltzer. Showing that beer has bipartisan appeal, Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK) tonight hosts a “Beer Tasting and Dinner” at Brasserie Beck, proceeds going to his leadership PAC, the Great American Fund. The event costs $1,500 for a PAC, $500 for an individual.

Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) apparently has an annual Kentucky bourbon tasting–this year marked his third. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) likes to combine cocktails and cigars. Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) goes for margaritas and mojitos (and those events were just one day apart). Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA) represents the Pittsburgh, a beer sort of place, but nevertheless planned a wine tasting at Sonoma.

Check out our map for recent fundraisers featuring alcohol. If you click on the pins, you’ll find links to the invitations.

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As the members of the House Ways and Means Committee prepare to take up the health care reform debate next month, they are busy fundraising from health care lobbyists representing such companies as Eli Lilly, the American Hospital Association, and Johnson & Johnson.

Party Time has identified at least 124 fundraising events in 2009 alone for members of this powerful committee. Most invitations do not contain information about hosts or who might be attending. However, those that do provide a tantalizing glimpse of what the guest lists are like at these private events.

For example:

• Using the same watermark background of an image of the Capitol, a gaggle of nine lobbyists hosted one event for Chairman Rangel (a Valentine’s day bash breakfast on February 12) and is planning another on June 10 for Rep. Richard Neal, a Democrat from Massachusetts (reception and dinner). All but one of these hosts lobby for Ernst & Young–Nick Giordano, LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, Francis Grab Dave Koshgarian, Dick Meltzer, Jeff Petrich, Bobby Rozen, and Holly Bode–where they represent such clients as Aetna Inc., Johnson & Johnson, and Health Care Service Corp. The ninth, Tom Jolly, includes AFLAC Inc. among his clients. Rangel has collected $2.3 million in campaign contributions over the course of his congressional career from the health care sector. Neal has gotten more than $500,000.
  
• On April 22, lobbyists representing major drug companies were among the hosts of a dinner at Arcadiana for Rep. Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin. Rebecca Anderson, Chris Hatcher, and Susan Hirshmann all lobby for Wiliams & Jensen, where they represent such clients as Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca Inc., Novartis, Pfizer, and Wyeth. Ryan has collected more than $155,000 from the pharmaceutical industry during his years in Congress.
• Reps. Allyson Schwartz, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, and John Yarmuth, a Democrat from Kentucky, have both been wined and dined this year by Fred Graefe and Rita Norton. Graefe represents a host of health care interests, including Invacare Corp., AmerisourceBergen Corp, and the Federation of American Hospitals. Norton lobbies for AmerisourceBergen Corp. Schwartz has collected more than $857,000 in campaign contributions from health care interests for her elections; Yarmuth, more than $257,000.

As we noted in our first post last week on parties for members of key health care committees, on parties for members of the Senate Finance Committee, it is nearly impossible to find out who attends these fundraising events. Lawmakers report their campaign contributions only once every three months. Even then, while it is possible to look for clusters of contributions around particular dates, there’s no way definitively to link contributions to a particular event unless one confirms it with the donor or campaign. Meanwhile, new Federal Election Commission rules on disclosing “bundles” of contributions are so weak that only one bundler disclosed by the first deadline.

[Thanks to Party Time intern Josh Heath for help researching this post.]

Here are the parties for members of the House Ways & Means Committee: