Break from the scandals with a bargain basement deal, a ladies' night, and a VIP guest

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)

Just another manic Monday: Obama to NYC for fundraiser, senators hit links

Hey, Partiers! After golfing on Saturday, then celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday and hosting British Prime Minister David Cameron this morning, you might think that President Obama would be too tuckered out to deal with any fundraising. But you’d be wrong! (This is the Party Time blog. You should see these things coming...)

The president is traveling this afternoon to the New York City to attend three fairly secretive Democratic fundraisers, one DCCC/DSCC party at the Waldorf Astoria hotel and another DNC event at the home of Harvey Weinstein, legendary executive producer of two of this year’s Oscars contenders -- Django Unchained and Silver Linings Playbook -- and, of course, Zack and Miri Make a Porno.  As the New York Post reported, the event costs $32,400 per couple and will host fewer than 65 guests, giving Weinstein the chance to dim the lights and give his guests intimacy they crave. Let's just assume it's not the same sort of intimacy he’s famous for producing in Shakespeare in Love, Cold Mountain and Zack and Miri Make a Porno.

No info has been reported on the third event except that it is being held at a private residence. Diddy?

Lucky enough to snag an invite to any of these swell events? Put it right here.

But the president isn’t the only one kicking off the week with a fundraising bonanza. NYC Republican candidate for mayor Joe Lhota will be close by, plying donors with alcohol and conversation, along with another entertainment icon, Steve Schirripa. (He played a guy on The Sopranos. It's okay, I didn't know who he was, either.)

Further south, Sens. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., and Richard Burr, R-N.C. are hosting golf funders today, aiming for the green -- pun intended.

Mikulski kicked off her 23rd annual tournament today at the Whiskey Creek Golf Course in Ijamsville, Md., while Burr will be hitting the links in Gainesville, Va. at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Individual players will pony up a minimum of $1,000 to weather 18 holes on an unseasonably blustery May day.

Golf is the worst, which is why I give Mikulski and Burr credit for suffering through it. It might not be as bad as a Taylor Swift concert, but if I were elected to one of the nation’s highest offices, no way would I be caught trudging around a golf course on a super-fun day I was scheduled to be in session. Bravo!

Guns, Getaways and Taylor Swift -- This Week in Partying

We've got a full slate of parties this week, as politicians continue that wonderful tradition of fundraising. Check out the highlights below:

Gun Raffles -- A Good Idea to Some People
Maryland Delegate Don Dwyer, R-Anne Arundel County, has had some bad ideas in the past, but PT thinks he's on to something here with Saturday's Gun Rights and Liberty BBQ and Gun Raffle. While you're off celebrating liberty, you can enter in the raffle to win either an AR-15 or an AK-47! The best part: tickets only cost $5! And you can buy up to 10 of them! I like those odds, partiers. And don't worry -- PT checked this out before and it's all legal. The festivities take place tomorrow at Kurtz Beach in Pasadena, Md., but the guns won't be handed out until July 6. Just one problem with that: Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley 's gun control bill outlawing certain high-powered rifles, including AR-15s and AK-47s, is scheduled to be signed on May 16. Hmm, looks like Dwyer's gonna need a really good idea to get around this one.

Guess Who's Fundraising at a Taylor Swift Concert?
People one would expect to see at the upcoming Taylor Swift concert: a billion teenage girls, many of Swift's ex-boyfriends who are inevitably trying to win her back, depressed dads of tweens not old enough to go alone -- and wait, who's that? It's Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky. of course! The Bluegrass State lawmaker will be inviting PACs to attend the show at D.C.'s Verizon Center for the low, low price of $1,000. Guthrie doesn't care if it doesn't look manly -- he's fearless.

Hello Again, Cory Booker
Newark Mayor Cory Booker seems to be a well-liked guy -- he saves people from burning buildings, shovels others' driveways, and rescues their dogs. So it's no surprise that some old Yale Law School pals will be hosting a reception and dinner for Booker on Monday night. The fete will take place at the NYC home of (surprise) lawyer Jacob Buchdahl, costing guests either $5,200 or $2,600 depending on how good of a friend you want to be to Booker. You might want to consider the higher price point -- it might be you he rescues next!

Lamar Alexander's Second and Third Winds
Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has been fundraising up a storm recently, and the funder forecast predicts his torrential downpour of parties continuing to rain down through next week. Extended metaphors aside, Alexander starts his week on Tuesday with a double-header: first he'll grab lunch at Charlie Palmer's, then five hours later he'll rush to the Monocle for a dinner hosted by Honeywell's PAC, among others. Both events have tabs of up to $2,500/PAC and $1,000/person. But he's not done yet -- on Thursday he'll go back to Charlie Palmer's for another lunch, again costing $2,500/PAC and $1,000/person. Alexander is pushing the party meter through the roof, but he's gotta mix it up -- though PT admits it's hard to follow up a gun raffle and Taylor Swift concert...

Heller Is Still Looking Back on 2012
While most politicians are fundraising for future campaigns -- some as far off as 2016 -- at least one senator is looking back on 2012, and not in a good way. Dean Heller, R-Nev., still has some debt leftover from his hard-fought campaign --  "some" meaning over $575,000. So it's a smart move on his part to host a debt retirement luncheon on Thursday at Capitol Hill spot Bistro Bis. To grab a shovel and dig Heller out of this hole, guests can contribute up to $2,500/PAC or $1,000/person.

Weekend Getaways!
Summer weather finally looks like it's here to stay, so lawmakers are pouncing on the opportunity to rake in some cash next weekend. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., is rolling his supporters away to Virginia for a Weekend at the Tides Inn. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, the Tides Inn can provide guests with golf, spa treatments, boating and more. But guests will have to pony up at least $5,000 to go on this vacation.

Next up is Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who is hosting a Phillies Keystone Weekend for his supporters. The highlight of the weekend will be Casey's hometown Phillies taking on the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon, but other events could be on the itinerary as no schedule was released. No price points were released either, so if you've got the info send it along this-a-way.

Finally, Rep. GK Butterfield, D-N.C., will trounce these other two by whisking his guests off to tour the island of Bermuda. The trip costs guests a mere $2,500 -- half of what you'd pay to accompany Sen. Shelby to Virginia! Talk about a good deal, Partiers.

Unlike the Washington party circuit, some things must come to an end. After many months of writing up Party Time posts, my time has run its course in this space. But fear not! I have a suspicion that the next Party Animal here will bring to this blog a great sense of humor, politics -- and, most importantly, snark. Until next time, Partiers!

Partying like it's 2014 -- and 2016

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

Nothing can stop the partying.

That's the message presented by our friend Dave Levinthal at the Center for Public Integrity, who recently wrote a piece chronicling lawmakers and their never-ending quest for cash -- no matter the circumstances. The third week of April saw numerous tragedies unfold, but that didn't stop politicians from bombarding supporters with fundraising emails and attending swanky soirees. Levinthal gives examples of messages sent out during the week, like the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ("Tomorrow is our ad buy deadline in the South Carolina special election"), Obama's non-profit Organizing for Action ("Let's keep fighting for change. Chip in $5 or more to support Organizing for Action today") and others. The Party Time calendar also showed 23 fundraisers including parties for Democratic S.C. hopeful Elizabeth Colbert Busch and for Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, all of whom had multiple events that week. It just goes to show you that Congress will party on and no one can stop them -- the Beastie Boys would be proud.

Now back to your usually scheduled partying. Since Congress' spring bre- er we mean, "District Word Period" is over, the lawmakers is back in the District and ready to party at their peak once again. PT has the highlights below:

GOP Senators Double Up
Either Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, are saving up enough money to take over the entire world, or they're in some kind of political contest. Both are debt-free yet have been partying at astonishing rates -- Crapo has 17 funders scheduled in 2013 while Alexander has 15! Alexander's interest in the party circuit is obvious: He's up for reelection next year. Crapo won't face the voters till 2016, but he might have an interest in helping Republicans win back control of the Senate, putting him in line to be chairman of the Banking Committee, a la another one of our favorite Party Time animals.

Alexander's campaign gets a kick start on May 9 when he'll be hosting two events to stuff his campaign coffers. That morning Alexander will be at a breakfast -- not at a restaurant where most people would generally eat food, but at the Capitol Hill townhouse of Fluor, a construction and engineering company. Seems an odd place for a meal. Just three hours later, he'll go more conventional with a noon lunch at the Monocle Restaurant. You too can attend both events for the low price of $2,500 PAC or $1,000 personal.

Meanwhile, Crapo's Freedom Fund is freaking out with funders, and this week Crapo's holding two more events benefiting his liberty-themed leadership PAC. On Monday, he'll be at a Financial Services Industry Dinner at Mexican joint Rosa Mexicano (which PT mistakenly thought was a host at first; we obviously aren't getting enough money to dine at Mexican restaurants of the expense account variety). No hosts are listed, but expect many Wall Street types here -- securities and investments has been the biggest industry to contribute to Crapo over his career. Following this is a Young Professionals Reception on Thursday, priced at a young-person-friendly $250-$100. Unless you're a young person with a PAC, which will cost $1,000.

Friends Don't Let Friends Fundraise Alone
If you're serious about political partying (as PT is of course), then you should check out a new paper using PT data by Yale professor Eleanor Neff Powell entitled "Dollars to Votes: The Influence of Fundraising in Congress." Sunlight's Lee Drutman covered the major themes if you don't have time for the full paper, but Powell found members of Congress who headline events for other members get something in return -- surprise! -- votes for their legislation! And guess what else -- the calendar shows two cases just this week of pols helping pols party.

First up, a Wednesday reception for Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., headlined by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. Mikulski is chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee, of which Landrieu is a member, and can lend some powerful support to Landrieu's challenging campaign in solid-red Louisiana. But she won't be the only one there; several PACs representing tech businesses and unions will be on hand to host the festivities. To join the crowd, contribute either $2,500 or $1,000.

Later on that evening, Rep. Lois Capps, D-Calif., will be enlisting the help of fellow lawmaker Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., at a dinner on Capitol Hill. On the invite Capps calls Pallone both a "colleague and friend," and friends don't let friends fundraise alone. Tickets to this dinner range from $5,000 to $1,000.

2016 Preview Pt. 2 at the Iowa GOP Dinner?

Tonight the S.C. GOP is holding its annual Silver Elephant Dinner, featuring potential presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, as the party's guest speaker. Well, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., another possible White House successor, tried and failed to get that gig -- but he did land the Iowa Republican Party's 2013 Lincoln Dinner! Tickets to this annual fete cost $450 for a table, $150 for a VIP entree and $50 for a regular ticket. It's no coincidence that Iowa happens to be an important early voting state in presidential elections, with its spectacular straw poll and all. It's going to be a packed house next Friday, so hopefully Paul doesn't blow the dinner speech  -- and with it his 2016 chances. After all, it's practically presidential campaign season -- in Iowa at least.

Enjoy the Kentucky Derby, and until next time, Partiers.

Mark Sanford not giving up yet, plans party with S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley

As the race for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District comes down to the wire, embattled former South Carolina Gov. Mark "Appalachian Nation" Sanford is enlisting the help of his successor, current South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley at a May 1st fundraiser, with prices rising up to $2,600 per couple. The reception takes place at the downtown Charleston home of Tommy Baker, an automobile dealer and GOP donor who gave $4,000 to Sanford in his run for governor in 2002.

The Haley bump comes at a perfect time for Sanford, who has been stumbling his way toward the May 7 election. Earlier this month, the establishment GOP bailed on Sanford after word broke his ex-wife was accusing him of trespassing, so Haley's big name stamp of approval could provide a welcome surge of campaign cash.

Haley's boost will also help Sanford keep pace with his upstart opponent, Clemson University administrator Elizabeth Colbert Busch. If you've taken a gander at Party Time recently, you'll have noticed a trend: Colbert Busch has held 10 fundraising events since the end of February, while PT had previously picked up a grand total of zero funders for Sanford. With the help of her TV celebrity brother Stephen Tyrone Colbert, her parties have been some of the biggest around -- a $10,000-a-ticket bash in mid-April boasted over 40 members of Congress, including Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Reps. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Steve Israel, D-N.Y. Factor in her 11th hour support and Colbert Busch looks strong in a district that tilts strongly conservative.

The current and former S.C. governor also have a somewhat amicable history together. Haley supported Sanford while he was governor and served as Haley's mentor when she was in the state legislature, even convincing her to run for governor in 2010. But relations have strained over the past years -- Haley wiped her hands of Sanford once the news broke of his affair with an Argentinian woman in 2009.

It's worth noting that Haley created this election in the first place: she nominated former Rep. Tim Scott to fill retiring Sen. Jim DeMint's seat, leading to the special election between Colbert Busch and Sanford for the Palmetto State's first district. If the Republicans lose a seat that, on paper at least, they own, some of the blame may fall onto Haley; perhaps explaining her last minute support of Sanford.

Photo courtesy of Albert Milliron via Wikimedia Commons.

Cory Booker, David Vitter and the SC GOP party during congressional spring break (part two)

Have you ever worked a full month without any scheduled days off? If so, congratulations -- you're not a member of Congress! America's favorite lawmaking body is going on Spring Break Part 2 -- because the first one seemed pretty fun -- taking the next week off to rest from all their exhausting labors -- not passing any sort of gun legislation, letting the sequester wreak havoc on the economy and continually ignoring budget negotiations have really taken its toll on our lawmakers. But if there's one thing we can count on Congress to do well, it's fundraising of course! The Democratic money machines both set all-time records for first quarter earnings, with the House arm raking in $22.6 million and the Senate arm $13.7 million. The GOP committees didn't do so badly either, collecting $17.5 million in the first quarter for the House and $5.3 million for the Senate. If only Congress was as good at lawmaking as its members are at cash collecting...

Unfortunately for Party Time, the break means our database looks something like this for next week. We're thinking there's some partying going on outside the Beltway and someone (maybe Y-O-U?) forgot to send us the invites. It's never too late! Put 'em here.

But we still have several parties of note coming up, featuring recurring favorite Cory Booker, the resilient Sen. Roger Wicker and the S.C. GOP's annual dinner. Look below for the details.

Surprise, It's Cory Booker... Again
Newark Mayor Cory Booker has become one of PT's most frequent partiers, scheduling 13 funders from March through May -- it's almost become a weekly segment here! The flush but not-yet official candidate for the Garden State's soon-to-be vacated U.S. Senate seat is not showing any signs of slowing down, as he'll be the beneficiary of two events in the Windy City on the same night at the same time! Starting at 5:00 p.m. and lasting until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday is a VIP Reception at the chic eatery Untitled, which you know is hip because they serve things like "whipped trout" in Mason jars. Guests will pony up $2,000-$750 for the VIP portion, or as little as $75 for the general festivities.

But if that isn't your scene, perhaps you'll see Booker (or more likely his clone) at an Evening Cocktail Reception that same day from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. -- a half-hour before the previous event is supposed to end! It's happening at the home of Barbara Goodman Manilow, a tried and true blue donor who has hosted high-dollar parties for Obama before. This event is on the more expensive side, costing guests anywhere from $5,000 to $1,000 for entrance. But if Booker can save people from burning buildings, he can probably get to both events.

The Silver Elephant Dinner with a Side of Drama
Every year the South Carolina GOP hosts a famous fundraising banquet called the Silver Elephant Celebration -- but this year's joyous evening hit a snag before it even started. It appears that Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., wanted to keynote the event, a chance to win friends and influence people in a state that is always crucial in the presidential nominating process, but the state party invited freshman craze Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, instead. Paul's chief of staff even called the Palmetto State's Republican chairman to "express his disappointment." Ouch.

The show will still go on, and Friday's 46th Annual Silver Elephant Celebration will honor former Sen. Jim DeMint, the Tea Party darling currently heading the conservative Heritage Foundation. Various price points come with perks: the maximum $8,000 gift reserves a table for 10, with tickets to a pre-reception and photo-op with Cruz and -- if you can believe it -- your name in the commemorative program! Shocking, we know. But if you can somehow possibly resist that, general admission is only $75. No word on whether former Rep. and Gov.-turned-congressional candidate Mark Sanford will be attending -- either quietly at a table by himself, or with new friend Cardboard Pelosi.

Vitter's Off to the Races
Break out the floppy hats and fix up some mint juleps because the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby takes place next weekend! As he has done in the past, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., will be using that time for a multi-day fundraising field trip to Churchill Downs. Event specifics are fuzzy, but the most important info -- the cost --  is right on the invite; guests will have to (bad pun alert!) pony up $5,000 per couple for this ride.

Wicker Bravely Parties On
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., had quite a scare last week, as a letter intended for him tested positive for the poison ricin. Luckily that plot was foiled, and the incident isn't holding Wicker back from his busy fundraising schedule. He's hosting a Weekend at the Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, Miss., where guests will take part in activities such as golf, blues trails, museums, spas and even cooking classes. Sounds like attendees will be getting their money's worth at least! Prices for the weekend are $2,500 PAC, $1,500 personal.

Check in next week when Congress gets back to partyi -- er, we mean work -- for more fundraising news.

(Photo credit: KeepingAmericaGreat.com)

Obama parties for DNC, Colberts Unite, Booker's Back Again, and Rubio courts young donors

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.

Partying for Action reports fundraising haul, the Colberts cash in, and more

Party Animal Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

Early this morning, the Committee Formerly Known As Obama's Campaign, Organizing for Action, reported hauling in just under $4.9 million for the first quarter of 2013, an amount that the Los Angeles Times dubbed "a modest debut." What a world we live in where $5 million dollars is considered "modest" and not "an absurdly gargantuan mountain of cash." What's even more impressive is that OFA started late into the cycle, missing an entire month as the committee transitioned from a campaign to the non-profit "social welfare" group it is now. It's worth noting that the group had 109,582 unique contributors with an average donation of $44 -- however, OFA did solicit gifts up to $500,000.

While OFA continues to rake in the cash, Congress is also partying hard as the 2014 campaign season gets into gear. We've flipped the calendar on our Follow the Unlimited Money tracker and you can see why by checking the number of new campaign committees that have popped up just since the first of the year. This week features funders benefitting S.C. congressional hopeful Elizabeth Colbert Busch, GOP darling Rand Paul and more.

Colbert and Colbert Team Up Again
Democratic candidate Elizabeth Colbert Busch has proven herself to be a formidable fundraiser capable of competing with her Republican rival Mark Sanford, a former governor and former congressman, in special election for an open South Carolina congressional seat. And now she's upped her game. Talk about a lengthy VIP list -- this "Colberts United" event on Monday features 41 lawmakers! The attendees include (drum roll, please): DCCC Chairman Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., House minority whip Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., DNC head Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-Md. Additional hosts include high-powered Democratic lobbyist Tony Podesta and his brother, liberal think tank czar John Podesta -- and we haven't even mentioned that big brother Stephen Colbert will be there! The massive party takes place at B. Smith's inside Union Station, and guests will have to fork over $10,000 to get in. So much for Colbert Busch being a D.C. outsider...

Rand Rakes It In
Current Republican starlet Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is cashing in on his surge in popularity with a breakfast on Thursday. Although he stumbled through "a polite but tough reception" at Howard University earlier this week, Paul is hoping to right the ship in a more welcoming atmosphere -- the law offices of Covington and Burling in downtown D.C. The fundraising breakfast will cost PACs $1,000 and individuals $500.

Women Win at Klobuchar's Funder
Hurray for women! Especially women that help you raise campaign money! Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., is hosting her Annual Women Winning Breakfast this year on Wednesday morning -- early on Wednesday morning. The start time was pushed back to 7:30 AM -- but don't worry, Klobuchar promises "we'll have enough coffee to go around!" The host committee is packed with winning women , such as top lobbyists Linda Daschle, Susan Buck, Daniella Landau and more. The event is located at the law firm McGuire Woods -- right on K Street. For guests that would like to take part in the winning, they'll have to lose anywhere from $2,600 to $500.

Alaska Lt. Gov. Eyes Senate Seat
One of the most vulnerable senators in 2014 will be Mark Begich, D-Alaska -- he barely won in 2008 and is facing stiff competition from the right in 2014. Popping up on the official National Republican Senatorial Committee fundraising list is the state's lieutenant governor, Mead Treadwell, who is weighing a challenge against Begich. It appears he's more than just thinking about it now, hosting a "Birthday Celebration and Meet + Greet" on Friday at the Westin in D.C. Although the invite states "No donations are requested," the very next sentence solicits "voluntary contributions up to $2,600" -- sounds like a request to PT! The guests that do donate will benefit the Treadwell for Alaska Exploratory Committee. The question now is will he or won't he; the number of donations on Friday may help answer that question.

Alexander Continues Partying Hard
With 10 funders planned in 2013, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., is officially a party animal. And this week he's not letting up, holding two events for his campaign committee. The first is a dinner on Tuesday at the brand new Osteria Elisir in downtown Washington. (It's so authentic, you can even view the menu in Italian -- oh wait, all it does is take the website and put it through Google translate.) Hosting the dinner will be Andy Mekelburg, VP of Government Relations at Verizon, Jay Perron, VP of Governmental Affairs at the International Franchise Association, and former Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Katie Hays. Tickets will cost $2,000 across the board.

The second funder for Alexander is a Thursday breakfast most likely inside the offices of Locke Lord Bissell and Liddell, a multi-national lawfirm. The firm's political committee as well as Healthways Inc. will be hosting the event, which will run PACs up to $2,500 and humans up to $1,000. Alexander's torrid party schedule has been paying off as well -- his campaign's already crossed the $1 million mark!

Check the calendar for the full slate of events. Until next time, Partiers.

Maryland delegate raffles off two assault rifles in fundraiser

While the national debate on gun control continues, Maryland Del. Don Dwyer, a conservative Republican from Anne Arundel County, is making his position known by holding a fundraiser and raffling off two high-powered assault rifles.

The event, known as "Delegate Dwyer's Gun Rights and Liberty BBQ Gun Raffle, Auction & Strategy Meeting," takes place on May 11 at Kurtz Beach in Pasadena, Md., but the weapons won't be handed out until July 6. Lucky winners will either receive an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle, the same weapon used in the Aurora, Colo. shootings, or an AK-47 assault rifle.

MORE: Sunlight's research tool kit on the gun debate.

Tickets for the raffle cost just $5, the maximum price allowed under Maryland state laws; however, an individual can purchase up to $50 worth of tickets. Maryland State Board of Elections director Jim DeMarinis confirmed that the fundraising auction was a legal activity, though he noted such events are placed under rigid restrictions.

According to the invitation, "This Fundraiser will benifit [sic] the re-election campaign of pro gun rights legislator, Don H. Dwyer, Jr. as well as an organized effort to defeat the anti gun legislators across the state who voted for and supported SB281."

The bill in question is Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's "Firearm Safety Act of 2013," which would actually ban both of the weapons that Dwyer hopes to give away. The measure has already passed both the House and Senate, and Gov. O'Malley is expected to sign it into law soon. Dwyer voted against the bill.

Party Time is awaiting comment from Del. Dwyer's office.

The six-term lawmaker also attracted news coverage last summer when he crashed a boat in the Magothy River, seriously injuring himself and six other people. Dwyer admitted to drinking before the incident. His trial is scheduled for May, according to the Baltimore Sun.

It's not the first time that a lawmaker has mixed guns and fundraising. Last summer we told you about Missouri state Rep. John McCaherty's raffle, also for an AR-15 rifle. McCaherty, a Republican, won reelection and, as you can see from his Open States profile, did quite well in the fundraising department.

(Photo credit: Office of Del. Don H. Dwyer, Jr.)

I'll see you at the parties: Cory Booker's blockbuster, senators' double features, and more

Famed Chicago Sun-Times movie critic Roger Ebert died yesterday, taking with him the vast majority of mankind's opinion on film. Whether he was critiquing bombs like Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo ("Speaking in my official capacity as a Pulitzer Prize winner, Mr. Schneider, your movie sucks."), or praising an all-time great like Citizen Kane ("It is one of the miracles of cinema that in 1941 a first-time director; a cynical, hard-drinking writer; an innovative cinematographer, and a group of New York stage and radio actors were given the keys to a studio and total control, and made a masterpiece."), Ebert will always be remembered for telling it like it is.

Party Time honors him today with a special edition round up: "I'll See You At the Parties."

Booker's Back
In Newark Mayor Cory Booker's latest fundraiser, the viewer sees the continuation of a months-long identity crisis -- a man struggling to transition from the small-screen to the big-screen. Now Booker stars in a new production titled "NYC Cocktail Reception," which will be released on Tuesday. With a $1,000 price tag, it's hosted and directed by Barry Coller, whom you may know in his current recurring role as Physician-in-Chief at Rockefeller University Hospital. This fundraiser is part of a larger story about expectations, and one man's journey to achieve them -- or  boldly renounce them. Much like Ben Braddock choosing between "plastics" and Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate, Booker faces his own dilemma: will he continue on his path to the Senate as everyone believes, or will he reject this and spend his days in Newark? This exclusive funder film may help viewers find out.

Republican Double Features Are Must-See Entertainment
Three GOP senators will be starring in double fundraising features this week, so save up some money, viewers. One doubleheader comes to us from Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla. His first feature, "Transportation Lunch," premiers at the American Trucking Association townhouse on Thursday and is hosted by the PACs of the American Trucking Association and the Road & Transport Builders Association -- both of which donated to Inhofe in the last election. It's an outright masterpiece; a complicated love story full of entangled, embattled characters competing over the Oklahoman's affection -- and his lawmaking power. A touching study of the dynamic human-PAC relationship, this funder comes with an entry price of up to $2,500 for committees, $1,000 for individuals. Inhofe displays his acting chops by switching to a campy project called "The 2nd Annual Striper Fishing Tournament" that starts on Friday and ends the next day. Full of action, excitement, laughs and (literally) boatloads of money, it's a G-rated event that's fun for the whole family. If you can afford to bring your whole family to something that costs $1,500 per person and $3,000 per PAC.

A veteran of the party circuit, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, will also be unveiling two funders this week. The first is his highly-anticipated "Breakfast with Special Guest Sen. Ron Johnson," out on Tuesday, where two mega-stars team up to generate some serious moolah for Hatch's leadership PAC. Expect a strong acting performance from Hatch, who has a multitude of experience in fundraising performances over the years. This funder exposes Hatch as a character not without his flaws, one that has a profound void that exists within -- one that can only be filled with cash. To help him achieve self-actualization, guests may pay a maximum of $5,000. And PT could not forget the spellbinding epic "Breakfast," a magnum opus that allows viewers to feel the invigorating touch of life itself. Directed and hosted by major drug distributor AmeriSourceBergen, this Thursday funder promises to be one of the major events of the year. For a maximum contribution of $5,000, viewers can bask in the glory that is "Breakfast."

Continuing the funder film festival is a Tuesday "Reception" starring Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., with an ensemble cast of famous lobbyists: John Milne, Roy Coffee, Allen Shofe and more. The sequel arrives the very next day, as Alexander will reprise his role as "Senator from Tennessee" with "Breakfast" at Mastercard worldwide. Mastercard also picks up a director credit, as they are hosting the event. Both of these flicks are on the expensive side, costing up to $2,500 per PAC and $1,000 per person. Alexander is quickly becoming an A-lister by starring in no fewer than 10 funders this year alone.

Fleetwood Mac Concert a Triumph for Guthrie, Shimkus
Legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac rolls into D.C. on Tuesday for a thought-provoking Verizon Center concert that a couple lawmakers are using to raise some cash. The first event stars Rep. Brett Guthrie as a rigid Republican from Kentucky, who nevertheless reveals himself to be unequivocally, undeniably human throughout the evening. This event forces the viewer to realize that no one can escape the power of music, not even uptight Washington suits -- and it makes for a great party. PACs can get a ticket to this special evening for just $1,000.

Guthrie's co-star is Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., his own party a tour-de-force that is not to be missed. The deep, symbiotic relationship between Shimkus and Fleetwood Mac fills the viewer with audacious hope: Hope for boatloads of cash, hope for re-election in 2014. Shimkus has added an element of neo-noir mystery to the fundraiser, as PT has no idea how much it costs. If anyone can snag a pair of tickets to this concert funder, share with us here!

All these fundraisers scored a rock-solid two thumbs up. Remember, folks: There's no good party too long, and no bad party short enough. See you at the parties!

Photo courtesy of Rebert via Wikimedia Commons