Remember all those how important political reforms Congress passed after the Democrats took over? Like the new rules meant to stamp out the influence of lobbyists and special interest groups at the upcoming national conventions in Denver and Minneapolis?
The good people of Denver and Minneapolis–St. Paul, though, need not worry that they’ll miss out on the legendary convention debauchery. Luckily for them, when it comes to filling campaign coffers and throwing lavish parties with other people’s money, nobody is more innovative than Washingtonians. In fact, the new ethics restrictions are a boon for some groups. Among the biggest beneficiaries are the Democratic and Republican governors associations, which are not subject to the lobbyist-control rules Congress imposed on itself…Unlike the congressional campaign committees, the governors groups can accept soft money…For their cash contributions, donors will receive tickets to receptions, special events and chances to break bread with all sorts of big-time politicos.
