The flurry of end-of-session fundraising
and favor-currying isn’t confined to the four block radius of the
Capitol building. It’s not even limited to the politicians themselves. The Los Angeles Times reports today
that Governor Schwarzenegger’s chief of staff, Susan Kennedy, is
headlining a fundraiser for a non-profit on Sept. 14th — just as the
last of the year’s legislation should be reaching the gov for his
signature or veto:
Now, Marin Services is using the lure of time with Kennedy to raise
money. The center is honoring her at its annual fundraising dinner
Sept. 14 and soliciting donations of as much as $25,000 for the chance
to attend a private reception with her beforehand.
Capitol lobbyists whose clients have much at stake before the
administration have been invited to donate, according to an e-mail
obtained by The Times. Already, AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Reliant
Energy and Santa Anita Park — the Arcadia racetrack that wants state
permission to expand its gambling operations — have agreed to help
sponsor the event, according to Marin Services’ website.
A private reception where enough cash buys donors the chance to rub
elbows with (and whisper in the ears of) the powerful? Someone’s using
the same tricks as her boss.
