|
US Lobbying: Meet the Leader, Only $25K |
|
|
|
Democrats are offering lobbyists new access to U.S. Senate leaders and lawmakers in exchange for personal contributions of $25,000, the maximum amount allowed to national party fundraising committees.
Democrats are energized by a number of unforeseen Republican retirements that have dramatically reshaped their prospects of regaining control of the Senate this November. However, Senate Democrats continue to face significant financial obstacles because of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act.
Six months away from Election Day, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) is lagging behind the other three congressional party fundraising committees in money raised and cash on hand. To close the gap, Senate Democrats are turning to allied lobbyists and consultants in Washington, D.C. To be a member of the so-called Majority Council - a program run by the DSCC - lobbyists must donate at least $25,000.
Lobbyists who donate sufficiently will be made members of the elite council, which will meet with the Senate Democratic leadership every month or six weeks. They may not bundle donations to reach that level, said one lobbyist participating in the initiative. Between 15 and 20 lobbyists have already signed up for the program. The meetings with the leadership will give them an opportunity to discuss how Democrats can do a better job reaching out their constituencies, and how Democratic candidates can maximize their communications, fundraising, and other political efforts, said a Democratic aide.
The Majority Council program is a twist on the DSCC Majority Trust program, which is targeted at Democratic donors across the country. As with the Majority Council, members of the Majority Trust program must make individual contributions of $25,000 to the committee. However, whereas members of the Majority Trust program meet lawmakers in locales such as Nantucket and Aspen, members of the Majority Council will be meeting with leaders in Washington.
(From The Hill, 3 May 2004)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Events Calendar