Convention perks await big DNC fund-raisers

[MaineDem]

This bothers me a lot.

By Yvonne Abraham, Globe Staff, 10/2/2003

Democrats who raise $100,000 for their party will be rewarded with big perks at next year's convention in Boston: preferred seating at the FleetCenter, breakfast with the presidential nominee, and, according to a party brochure, "a chance to help shape the national political agenda."

The Democratic National Committee has established a special group of big dollar contributors and fund-raisers, dubbed "Patriots," and is promising them an exclusive level of access and luxury at the convention.

While national political conventions have long been used by both parties to lure and reward big donors, the DNC effort is drawing criticism, with campaign watchdogs saying it circumvents the aim of federal campaign finance reforms enacted last year.

/snip/

Those who make donations to the cost of the convention, which are not limited by campaign finance laws, will also receive access at convention events, said David Passafaro, host committee president. They will be invited to all convention events sponsored by the city, including the media party and the delegation parties on the weekend before the official proceedings begin. And though the city committee does not control access inside the convention hall, Passafaro said he expected host committee donors would also be given credentials.

more http://www.boston.com/news/politics/money/articles/2003/10/02/convention_perks_await_big_dnc_fund_raisers/

Here I am just trying to be elected as a delegate. If I have the money I can buy my way in, eh? I don't like this.

[realFedUp]

1. A lousy breakfast and good seats

is what you'd expect in the least to get for that kind of money.
It's how the business world works and politics is business.

[Skidmore]

2. So we're going to have our very own version of Bush's

Rangers now, are we? I don't like this either. Whose lame-brain idea was this anyway--McAuliffe's?

[onehandle]

3. Not me...

We need cash. We are going to be buried by Bush's cash if we don't stretch the rules.

This is chump change compared to what smirk's owners are putting in.