"We're just educators and we provide an important function as an education function," Fenton said... He said he planned to give $5,000 to several of the new representatives.
And this is how corruption is accepted.
Rep.-elect Mark Schauer, who will represent the Battle Creek, Michigan, area, said he already had to raise a lot of money to win his election. He said he came to the event to meet people who could help educate him on issues.
"It's the policy side that we are going to need a lot of guidance -- especially this economic mess that we are in right now," Schauer said.
While there are a whole lot of annoying aspects of the article it does speak to the reality of life on Capitol Hill. John Dingell, Steny Hoyer, and coal king Nick Rahall hosted this "2008 Red to Blue New Member Debt Retirement Reception" honoring all twenty two freshmen. The invitation suggests that the lobbyists who attend should sign up "at levels ranging from a $20,000 "PAC Host" to a $2,500 "Individual Friend."" The article doesn't say which freshmen actually attended (an important detail!), but the self-rationalization here from both lobbyists and members is just kind of amazing. Here's more from Schauer, Hoyer, and our lobbyist friends.
Schauer said he didn't know how much was raised or how much he will receive, but he said he met some interesting people.
"I got to make connection with a couple of important future colleagues and meet some people involved in the process so, you know, I am even more ready to hit the ground running," he said.
One of the important people Schauer got to connect with was House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland. Applause for Hoyer could be heard outside after he arrived at the reception, which was closed to the news media.
Hoyer said the media overplays the influence lobbyists have on the votes of elected officials.
"Do they have communication with people that contribute? Of course they do," Hoyer said. "No one would doubt that. But their main interest here is serving the best interest of their constituents and their country."
He said that gatherings like Wednesday's give lobbyists and others access "just as a citizen gets access when they go to a town meeting and spend some time there, or when they volunteer in a campaign."
Hoyer added that many of those attending the event were there more to show support for the new lawmakers than to seek favor from them.
"You would be surprised at how many people in this room are Democrats first and interest representatives second," he said. "Now, I know that sounds strange to the community, but that has been my experience."
Campaigns have been busted open in the last few years, so it's not like this system is without challenge. We're winning the fight. But it's still worth watching.
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