Many newly elected Congressmen built their campaigns by running “against” Washington. They’re not even officially in office yet, but some are already getting comfortable with an inside-the-Beltway ritual.
Republican Stephen Fincher is replacing retiring Democrat John Tanner. Last week, a Capitol Hill fundraiser was scheduled in Fincher’s honor. Suggested contribution levels for the debt retirement event ranged from 250-dollars to 25-hundred dollars. (see link)
“When new members come to DC, they start on the fund raising circuit. This class is not necessarily different from doing it.”
Nancy Watzman keeps track of fundraisers for the Sunlight Foundation. She says Republicans and Democrats often participate in dozens of fundraisers a week.
“You have to raise your money from somewhere. And the folks who want to give you money the most, are the people who have an interest in the issues they are going to have power over.”
Watzman says constituents should be vigilant about where their lawmakers’ money comes from.
Another newly-elected Tennessee Republican – Scott DesJarlais – was scheduled to be at a meet and greet luncheon at a K Street lobbying firm. The invitation provided to the Sunlight Foundation makes no mention of money.
Incumbent Memphis Democrat Steve Cohen also had a fundraiser scheduled last week.
Here’s a link to the Sunlight Foundation’s searchable database on Washington fundraisers. Use the “Partyfinder” search field in the top right. One note – the Sunlight Foundation obtains the fundraiser invites from anonymous sources and says its database is by no means complete.
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