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Same "Party Time" Address, But...

by: Colorado Pols

Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 16:51:58 PM MST

We noted last Friday a fundraiser in Washington DC for Senate candidate Jane Norton, featuring "a long list of GOP insiders" and lobbyists. The Sunlight Foundation's blog discussed Norton's longstanding ties to individual organizers and hosts of the event, Norton's heavy out-of-state fundraising totals, etc.

And since reporters love turnabout, the Denver Post's Michael Riley reports today:

Influence comes in many forms in the nation's capital, and twin fundraisers this week for two Colorado Senate candidates shows one of those can be real estate.
Republican candidate Jane Norton was in town Monday for a big-money fundraiser at a Capitol Hill townhouse owned by partners of Williams & Jensen, a powerful Washington lobbying firm.
The townhouse will be the site of a similar event today for Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, among Norton's potential rivals for the seat, according to the Sunlight Foundation.

Oh crap, blowback! Except wait, there is one difference we'd say is worth noting, down at the bottom of Riley's story and curiously unelaborated:

Although a staffer of Williams & Jensen will be at Norton's event, according to a guest list, Democrats say no one from the firm will be at Bennet's event, which was organized by the campaign and will be officially hosted by U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo.

Missed by Riley is the identity of this employee for the lobbying firm: not merely attending, but a co-host of Norton's event named Susan Hirschmann. The former chief of staff for none other than disgraced Rep. Tom DeLay. It's been a little while since Hirschmann was last in the papers, but her last appearance was a doozy--the Washington Post picked up her story in 2005:

Colorado Pols :: Same "Party Time" Address, But...

The airfare to London and Scotland in 2000 for then-House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) was charged to an American Express card issued to Jack Abramoff, a Washington lobbyist...
Multiple sources, including DeLay's then-chief of staff Susan Hirschmann, have confirmed that DeLay's congressional office was in direct contact with Preston Gates about the trip itinerary before DeLay's departure, to work out details of his travel. These contacts raise questions about DeLay's statement that he had no way of knowing about the financial and logistical support provided by Abramoff and his firm.
The receipts make clear that flights for DeLay and his wife were initially billed to Abramoff. The plane ticket for the husband of one of DeLay's aides -- David Hirschmann -- was billed to the same American Express card used for the DeLay tickets, according to a copy of the invoice.

As is now history, it turned into a very costly trip for Jack Abramoff, DeLay too. Just one of all kinds of anecdotes about Hirschmann, DeLay and post-DeLay, available for the Googling: it's helpful to check out names you don't recognize when writing a story. Sometimes, there's a whole other story waiting for you.

So yes, two U.S. Senate fundraisers for opposing candidates, same Washington D.C. address. If you get all breathless and stop thinking at the headline like some readers (and journalists, apparently), you're liable to miss the difference. One "Party Time" is hosted by the Senator's own campaign, and his senior Senate colleague. As for the other fundraiser at the same address?

Well, it's a lot more interesting, superficial comparisons notwithstanding. Show us somebody with a story half as juicy as Hirschmann's--Jack Abramoff's freaking golf trip to Scotland with Tom DeLay for pity's sake--on Michael Bennet's host list, and we'll be happy to concede the point.

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Same "Party Time" Address, But... | 35 comments

Well duh!

Reporter misses point, news at 11. Riley did better than the Colorado Independent, they didn't even get that the lobbying firm wasn't the host of Bennet's fundraiser.

Riley's not a bad guy. He might surprise you Pols someday.

by: bullshit! @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:59:23 PM CST

by: you @ soon

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The point is the money culture in DC

Williams & Jensen is working every day to screw the little guy. Has Bennet held a fundraiser at your house lately? Look at the "townhouse" client list laid out in part by the Independent. That was the point of the story. It's a good point.

by: jaytee @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 11:45:23 AM CST

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by: you @ soon

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Tom WHO??

Isn't he on Dancing With The Stars? Do any of you dope smoking hippie socialists even remember what Tom Delay looks like?? Think the average voter will care fuck all?!

ZZZZZZ......

"The Democratic Party is going to experience a bloodbath in November." -- Colorado Pols editor MotR

by: GOPwarrior @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 19:03:01 PM CST

by: you @ soon

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By that do you mean

do I think the average voter cares about ties to corruption?

Yes, yes I do.

"If someone just sticks to shutting the fuck up, can they still go outside and play a game of hide and go fuck yourself?" -- Fidel's Dirt Nap

by: Raphael @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 19:55:22 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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What corruption?

I forget - what was Tom Delay convicted of?

"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys."

P.J. O'Rourke

by: Laughing Boy @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:25:22 PM CST

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For a while

on Dancing With the Stars, he was accused of 1st Degree Entertainment!

by: RedGreen @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:34:16 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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Isn't he still under indictment

and isn't there still nothing happening with it? What's up with that?

by: BlueCat @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 09:55:57 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Are you really saying that Tom Delay isn't corrupt?

Because that's a tad different than saying he was never convicted...

Never assume "shill" when "idiot" is available as an explanation. [h/t Ralphie]

by: ajb @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 12:14:31 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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I will NEVER forget

the 16 worst years of my life going to shit under Republican rule (Reagan & Bush 2 years)! Never, asshole.

"I can tolerate chaos, I'm just not sure chaos can tolerate me" Dylan

by: Sir Robin @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 20:24:36 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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Sir Robin revealed, finally,

as Bob Shrum...

by: 20th Maine @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 09:22:58 AM CST

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Bennet Host Committee?

Does anyone have the Bennet host committee list?

Like Bennet's association with Phil Anschutz, Mike has a habit of dancing a little close to the flame.

But then again, it is up to Wrong Way Andy to see that Mike gets burned.

Don't hold your breath folks.

by: silverandblue @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 20:07:57 PM CST

by: you @ soon

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Your comment veered off the tracks before you hit 'post.'

...and then maybe you hit a post.

by: Jambalaya @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 20:28:04 PM CST

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Jamba, Ouch

You have something to hide?

If not, let's see the Bennet host committee.

by: silverandblue @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:06:29 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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yes, I'm hiding all of the hostesses behind me

...and hoping that "Wrong Way Andy" doesn't notice 'em. Shhhhhhh

by: Jambalaya @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:11:08 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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i am not sure how this issue will play out

with voters in the primary,
but if the D candidate is going to win the General, the Democratic party should stop doing things like this:

The Colorado Democratic Party sent out a list to reporters of the corporations and lobbyists that would be attending Norton's fundraiser, for example, without mentioning Bennet's event at the same location the next day.

that makes it too easy for the GOP to counterattack.

by: wade norris @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 12:34:26 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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Do my eyes deceive me?

It appears as if you're coming around to the conclusion that the star of Romanoff's campaign is fading fast.

by: Jambalaya @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 18:29:02 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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Bennet's association with Phil Anschutz

Oh good God, Bennet worked for Anschutz (or is the more sinister "associated with" preferable?) to the same extent Romanoff works for Bruce Benson, who heads the University of Colorado. That's just foolishness.

by: RedGreen @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:17:37 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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Anshutz backs the Republican in this race

Sen Bennet made Anshutz a lot of money and then moved on to do what he likes best, helping people.

If he was interested in money, then he would stayed working for Anshutz.

Ken Buck: a man of Mr. Rove and Dick Cheney. The road forward does not use reverse.

by: Ray Springfield @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:36:31 PM CST

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by: you @ soon

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He could also afford to move on

Let's be realistic here, Bennet banked hundreds of millions of dollars, which makes altruism plenty affordable.

But the point remains, he worked for Anschutz and made both of them a lot of money (not to mention saved or created lots of jobs). He didn't advise Anschutz on public policy nor is he Anschutz's candidate.

by: RedGreen @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:45:08 PM CST

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Dreaming

Since when and on what planet is "just worked for" the same as "Managing Director" of Anschutz Investments? Bennet made millions for himself and hundreds of millions for Anschutz. Anschutz in turn "invested" over a million in Republican candidates and right wing causes. Without Anschutz' $400K in '98, we would not have had Bill Owens in the governor's mansion for 8 years.

Please explain your Benson/Romanoff connection? Did Romanoff make millions managing Benson's investment firm? Did Romanoff throw thousands of low paid workers out of their jobs while "merging" companies?

by: silverandblue @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:42:24 PM CST

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Does Romanoff have a message?

Please feel free to wake us up when he does.

Best to kill them early instead of letting them possibly need food stamps.
--marilou, 2010

by: Ralphie @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:43:53 PM CST

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Perhaps his message is...

..."I've never made any money for anybody. Vote for me!"

by: Jambalaya @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 22:50:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

anything wrong with being a good businessman?

I wish that I had the talent.

Anshutz backs the Republicans. You might ask Mr.Penry about that for verification.

Ken Buck: a man of Mr. Rove and Dick Cheney. The road forward does not use reverse.

by: Ray Springfield @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:52:59 PM CST

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Please explain your Benson/Romanoff connection

It makes as much sense as your Anschutz/Bennet connection.

by: RedGreen @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:54:15 PM CST

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the general is going to be very nasty

The 527 money coming for attack ads will be huge.

it's going to be a very expensive Senate race.

I doubt,however, that anyone wants Tom Delay campaigning for them.

Ken Buck: a man of Mr. Rove and Dick Cheney. The road forward does not use reverse.

by: Ray Springfield @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:38:10 PM CST

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Are you kidding????

We Dems would love to have DeLay campaigning - for the Republicans.

Tom Tancredo Interview

by: DavidThi808 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:52:00 PM CST

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DeLay campaigning

Only if he does it while dancing!

by: RedGreen @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:53:17 PM CST

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Touche!

n/a

Ken Buck: a man of Mr. Rove and Dick Cheney. The road forward does not use reverse.

by: Ray Springfield @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:54:02 PM CST

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I'm sure

That the lobbying firm in question just gave Sen. Udall and Bennet access to the townhouse out of the goodness of their hearts.

I curious to know what the campaign (Bennet or Udall) paid for the access or was it an in-kind contribution from the firm.

by: Cutthroat @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 07:15:55 AM CST

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Interesting spin in the comments

Bennett: OMFG, HE'S A RICH, SUCCESSFUL DEMOCRAT WHO ACTUALLY WORKED FOR A RICH, SUCCESSFUL REPUBLICAN!!! HE MUST BE TOTALLY CORRUPT!!!

Norton: Fundraiser co-hosted by Republican staffer who aided and abetted corruption by Jack Abramoff and Tom Delay? Old news, nothing to see here, just move along...

Never assume "shill" when "idiot" is available as an explanation. [h/t Ralphie]

by: ajb @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 12:23:20 PM CST

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Spin vs. Expectations

It might be because we expect better of Democrats than to be "Republican Lite, much less visible corruption than the other leading national brand!"

Bennet vs. Norton is like choosing between a boyfriend who acts like he's sneaking around and cheating on you behind your back and one who brings his tricks home and expects you not to say anything about it. Yeah, I'm going to vote for Bennet since he's a better choice. But the fact that he's doing fundraisers at this lobbying firm's townhouse says nothing good about him. It's just less bad.

Matthew

by: MtSherman @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 14:20:56 PM CST

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You seem like a Romanoff supporter, so maybe you can help me out

What does he stand for? What is his message? What are his positions on the issues?

I'd love to support him, because I think he's a great guy.

Being a great guy isn't enough for me, however. I'm a policy wonk. I want to know where he stands.

If you don't know, then join the club. Most of the rest of us don't know either.

In the meantime, please belay the attack politics until you can give me a positive reason to support your candidate.

Best to kill them early instead of letting them possibly need food stamps.
--marilou, 2010

by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 20:28:53 PM CST

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Do the Research

Why not look at AR's record in the legislature for some indication of where he stands?

Then look at MB's record in the Senate for some indication of where he stands.

You can compare AR and MB on GLBT issues, choice, 2nd Amendment, debtor's rights, education, healthcare, water, labor ....

Do us all a great service.

by: silverandblue @ Thu Nov 19, 2009 at 19:08:17 PM CST

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so, you don't know either?

by: Jambalaya @ Thu Nov 19, 2009 at 22:17:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Right Back At You

You have the arrow of causation the wrong way around. I was a Romanoff supporter because I was unhappy with the lack of message, positions on issues, or stand from Bennet. I'm still unhappy with Bennet, but so far Romanoff has not turned out to be the candidate I was hoping for. Pointing out someone else's lacks isn't going to make me any happier with Bennet who's Romanoff with shady fundraisers.

Matthew

by: MtSherman @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 10:41:27 AM CST

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Same "Party Time" Address, But... | 35 comments