Teaching old school politics to freshmen

And it doesn't get more old school than this. I was standing outside the democratic national headquarters Wednesday morning, watching a parade of lobbyists heading in to 'meet and greet' the newly elected freshman democrats. But this wasn't about just meeting and greeting. The purpose was to introduce the new legislators on Capitol Hill to the old money from K street.

The lobbying crowd was being encouraged to come and "retire the debt" of the new democrats who had spent a fortune campaigning their way to this day. sponsored by old boy veterans, John Dingell of Michigan and Nick Rahall of West Virginia, it was a back slapping, check writing affair. Dingell and Rahall actually advised in their invitation just how friendly the lobbyists and political action committees should be: anywhere from $2500 to be a friend, up to $20,000 to be a "host".

Somebody slipped us the rather blatant cash plea invitation and you can see for yourself the "dance card" that helps lobbyist keep track of the money they were passing out.

What really was surprising is just how open and honest the pols and the lobbyists are about this. When asked if this just the same old pay to play politics in action, Rep. Nick Rahall of West Virginia asked if I had a better idea. And Steny Hoyer, the house majority leader for the democrats said, of course the lobbyists are getting access, but then said its the same kind of access anyone could get if they helped on campaigns or turned out at town hall meetings.

So who did get access? Ric Fenton is a lobbyist for the mining industry. He told me he is really an educator serving a vital function on the hill. Then he admitted his vital function on this chilly morning in DC was to hand out cold, hard cash.

"How much are you giving today?" I asked.

"I think we're giving $5,000."

"To one or a bunch?"

"To several. We go through that fairly thoroughly."

I guess when you are an educator on Capitol Hill, like Mr. Fenton, you really need to make sure the students learn their lesson. $5,000 a pop sounds like a good start for the study of old boy politics 101.