Joe Baca Blue Dog Birthday Bash
We recently wrote about the way that a Washington D.C. lobbying firm, the Twenty-First Century Group, uses its lobbying headquarters in order to make in-kind donations to members of Congress – as a fundraising party venue. The Twenty First Century Group allows members of Congress to hold fundraisers at its D.C. offices, and in return, the lobbying firm’s clients gain a certain sort of access that might otherwise never take place.
One of the most frequent users of this special arrangement is U.S. Representative Joe Baca, a right-leaning Blue Dog Democrat from California’s 43rd congressional district. Joe Baca has been second only to Representative Grace Napolitano in the number of cash-for-conversation events held at the 21st Century Townhouse. Tomorrow, that will change. Baca will hold his 6th party at the lobbying HQ since 2006.
The event is a birthday party. Most people would spend a birthday with friends and family, but Baca chooses power brokers instead.
Tomorrow, starting at 5:30 PM, Baca will spend two hours in a room with people who have agreed to pay money in return for being allowed admission. It’s customary to bring a gift to a birthday party, but Congressman Baca will get extraordinary presents of between $500 and $2400 from individuals seeking access and between $1,000 and $5,000 from representatives of political action committees.
The Twenty First Century Group’s lobbyists will be showing some extra hustle to accommodate Joe Baca’s birthday wish for lots of money. Let it not be said, however, that Congressman Baca won’t contribute anything to this party. He’s doing the catering – on an ongoing basis.
SHAME SHAME!!!!!
I congratulate u on all the good things you’ve done 4 ur district. Can’t. believe u voted 4 bush’s tax cuts for the very rich.