National Journal Magazine
LOBBYING & LAW - From The K Street Corridor
January 17, 2009

Parties, But Not for Obama

The extended inauguration weekend isn't only for celebrating the historic swearing in of Barack Obama. Congress's two Democratic leaders are also getting into the act.

Dozens of top Democratic fundraisers and donors from K Street as well as outside the Beltway have been invited to pre-inauguration lunches on January 19one with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and another with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

The event with Pelosi, sponsored by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, is for the biggest donors and fundraisers who belong to the DCCC's "Speaker's Cabinet." Among the K Street lobbying heavies expected to attend are Tommy Boggs of Patton Boggs and Larry O'Brien, who runs The OB♦C Group, LLC. The event at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium will feature live performances by musical superstars Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi, and Lyle Lovett.

Meanwhile, over at popular restaurant Charlie Palmer Steak, Reid will be celebrating that day with many of the major money harvesters and donors who support his own PAC, the Searchlight Leadership Fund.

 Peter H. Stone