Grand Old Parties: Special interests shower Republicans with perks and parties in the Big Apple

Introduction

Cowboy boots and rock stars. Tuxedos and champagne. Batting practice in a Major League Baseball stadium and coveted tickets to the U.S. Open. Twinkling lights, exquisite landscaping and shots of liquor that shush down a slalom carved into an ice sculpture—these are just a few of the perks to be offered up to the 5,000 Republican delegates and countless officials who will descend upon New York City for the 2004 GOP convention.

Fresh off the heels of an unprecedented number of lavish parties in Boston for Democratic power brokers, companies and lobbying organizations are keeping their checkbooks open so that they can treat their favorite lawmakers—many of whom happen to possess choice seats on certain committees—to a glass of bubbly, or at least some high-end grub and maybe a concert or two.

Official parties and delegate perks

Convention host committees typically pay millions to stage parties to welcome delegations from all U.S. states and territories, as well as the 15,000 members of the media. But those parties are usually a shadow of the more prestigious, invitation-only affairs for senators and congressmen. Delegates may get free breakfasts, maybe lunches, but they’re not getting caviar or mimosas with top-shelf champagne. Delegates may not have to spend a dime to travel around because there are offered free shuttle service or even free subway passes, all paid for by the host committee, but they aren’t being taken about town in a $50,000-plus Cadillac Escalade SUV (complete with a driver), and all gasoline expenses paid for by the host committee. Delegates will not, but Republican Party officials in New York City will be. It’s the convention caste-system. Still, delegates are set to get better than average perks, even if the perks are still less than those the elected officials enjoy.

The New York City Host Committee 2004 (NYC 2004) agreed to organize millions of dollars worth of events, including $2.2 million for delegate events, $2.4 million for media, volunteer and hotel staff parties, $1.55 million for “special events” and $800,000 for delegate gift packets, according to the budget submitted to the RNC by the city of New York and its host committee.

But delegate gifts—among them black New Balance messenger bags packed with coupons and goodies—will not be the end of the story. Instead of having 56 parties to welcome the various delegations, as was stated in original host committee budgets (Boston’s host committee scheduled 31 parties at a price-tag of $1.8 million), delegates to this year’s Republican convention are being treated to exclusive Broadway performances in a “Salute to Broadway” event, paid for by NYC 2004, NYC & Co. (the city’s tourism bureau) and The New York Times. Acting troupes for eight shows, ranging from Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, to 42nd Street and Aida, will take to the stage for the mirth and joy of the delegates.

Here are the shows to which the delegates and their guests, more than 13,000 people in all, are invited to attend on Sunday, August 29:

Delegation(s)

Sponsor(s)

Show, theatre

Description of show from Playbill Online (ticket prices for paying customers)

Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Montana and Kansas delegations

NYC Host Committee, NYC & Co., New York Times

42nd Street, Ford Center

“Ambitious tap dancer from Allentown, PA, who arrives in New York, gets a job in the chorus of a Broadway musical and winds up substituting for the star on opening night.” ($25-101)

California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii delegations

NYC Host Committee, NYC & Co., New York Times

Aida, Palace Theatre

“The tale of Aida, made famous by Verdi’s 1871 opera, concerns an enslaved African princess Aida, and her doomed love for the captain of the Egyptian guard.” ($25-100)

Massachusetts, Alaska, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Guam, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa delegations

NYC Host Committee, NYC & Co., New York Times

Bombay Dreams, Broadway Theatre

“Based on an idea by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Shekhar Kapur, Bombay Dreams is a love story set against the backdrop of the Indian movie industry: Bollywood.” ($42.25-$101.25)

Illinois, New York, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, Idaho and Pennsylvania delegations

NYC Host Committee, NYC & Co., New York Times

The Lion King, New Amsterdam Theatre

“The Lion King tells the story of the epic adventures of a young lion cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of an adulthood and his destined role as king.” ($25-100)

Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and North Carolina delegations

NYC Host Committee, NYC & Co., New York Times

Fiddler on the Roof, Minskoff Theatre

“In a time of many changes, ebulliant Russian-Jewish milkman Tevye tries to hold onto his religion, his traditions and his five daughters.” ($35-100)

Minnesota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Washington, Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Kentucky delegations

NYC Host Committee, NYC & Co., New York Times

The Phantom of the Opera, Majestic Theatre

“A disfigured musical genius haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera and exerts strange control over a lovely young soprano.” ($25-100)

Virginia, Alabama, District of Columbia, Tennessee, Maryland and Georgia delegations

NYC Host Committee, NYC & Co., New York Times

Beauty and the Beast, Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

“Lavish stage adaptation of the animated Walt Disney film about a strong-willed young woman, Belle, who breaks the spell that turned a handsome prince into a monstrous beast.” ($30-95)

Ohio, Missouri, Indiana and Michigan delegations

NYC Host Committee, NYC & Co., New York Times

Wonderful Town, Al Hirschfeld Theatre

“Two sisters from Ohio—one is smart, one is pretty—come to 1930’s New York, hoping to hit it big time.” ($51-101)

(Source: NYC 2004 web site, Playbill Online)

GOP delegates—and in some cases New York residents—will be treated to an array of perks throughout the week, including:

• Free and discounted tickets to the U.S. Open tennis tournament being held in New York City. (“The U.S. Open is providing access for delegates to this year’s U.S. Grand Slam event,” according to the NYC 2004 Web site. “Fifty lucky delegates will receive free tickets to the Open while other delegates and guests will be able to take advantage of a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ promotion.”).
• Two hundred free tickets to a New York Mets-Florida Marlins game. (“Tickets will be distributed through a variety of outlets, including surprises in delegate gift bags,” the Web site reports.)
• Access to the New York Mets’ batting practice at Shea Stadium, along with a barbecue, slated to feature Mike Piazza. (“Convention visitors will get the chance to experience life on the field at Shea Stadium like a major league baseball player,” the Web site says. “Attendees will take batting practice like true major leaguers, and get a behind-the-scenes tour of Shea Stadium, including areas normally inaccessible to the public.”)
• Free Metrocards—paid for by the host committee—to utilize the subway system.
• Discounted travel on Amtrak and Continental Airlines.
• A New York Pops concert in Central Park, featuring an appearance by country music performers, the Gatlin Brothers. (This will be limited to 5,000 people, according to the host committee’s website.)
• Champagne breakfast for delegates and New York residents at Ghurka, a fine leather goods seller.
• Private shopping excursion and reception at famed jeweler Cartier.
• Wine and cheese, and 20 percent discounts at upscale men’s clothier Brooks Brothers.
• Breakfast and fashion shows at department stores Macy’s and Bloomingdales.
• Cocktail reception at high-end retailer, Barneys.
• In cooperation with New York City area cultural institutions—with contributions from the Partnership for NYC, the Independence Community Bank Corporation and HIP Healthplans—nearly 400 GOP convention-goers will get tours and receptions at: The Studio Museum of Harlem/Apollo Theater tour and lunch at Southern food themed Sylvia’s; the Queens Museum of Art tour & reception; the Brooklyn Botanic Garden tour and reception, Staten Island’s Snug Harbor tour and reception and the Bronx Zoo tour and reception.
• Guided tours of Coney Island featuring: The Wonder Wheel, Brooklyn Aquarium, and Keyspan Stadium, the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones.
• Tours of CNN/Time Warner Center and NBC Studio.
• Two-for-one admission for conventioneers at the New York Historical Society exhibit on presidential campaigns and discounts at the gift shop.
• Genealogy seminar at Ellis Island, hosted and sponsored by the New York City Department of Records, the Information Services Commissioner, the National Park Service, and the National Archives.

Unofficial parties

Then, there are the real parties, the ones in which corporations and interest groups invest tens of thousands of dollars, hoping to bend the ear of key power brokers in a private moment over free food and drink.

Though there is no publicly released list of the numbers or sponsors of the private soirees being held during convention week in New York City for various public officials, if Boston is any judge—and remember, the Democrats don’t control either branch of Congress or the White House but were still honored with more than 200 private parties during their convention week—there should be hundreds of parties dotting the city. One trade publication reported that there would be at least 50 parties costing in excess of $100,000 or more at this year’s presidential nominating conventions. In Boston, The Boston Herald estimated that $20 million was spent on private parties alone during the Democratic convention week.

Due to new restrictions on campaign financing that prohibit unlimited contributions to political parties, large quantities of cash have been pouring into host committee coffers and into hands of party planners, where lavishness is the name of the game. “The number of corporate gatherings, I think, is going to be unprecedented,” Federal Election Commission member and former RNC chief counsel, Michael Toner told The Los Angeles Times. “You’re seeing an offloading of the activity that used to be done by the national parties.”

Toner’s sentiments were echoed by Don Fowler, former Democratic National Committee chairman, who said at a Washington forum on campaign finance that convention parties are “a tremendous boon to special interests. Some of the best lobbying in the world is done at these conventions.”

And nothing about the parties where that lobbying occurs—who paid for it, who attended it—has to be officially disclosed. The NYC 2004 host committee did not respond to questions from the Center for Public Integrity regarding the unofficial parties slated for the convention week.

Companies and organizations from a variety of business sectors are planning to take over some of New York’s most famous venues—from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tavern on the Green and the Rainbow Room—to woo Capitol Hill leaders.

One of the groups that has been very open about its unofficial convention events is the American Gas Association, a lobbying group representing nearly 200 local natural gas utilities. It budgeted $700,000 to finance parties at both the Republican and the Democratic conventions this year. “Companies like to be part of the democratic process of our country,” Darrell Henry, director of the AGA’s government relations told the Los Angeles Times. “It gives us exposure, and we get to be involved in the biggest political event of the season.” Meanwhile, AGA spokeswoman Peggy Laramie told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that, “We want to raise the visibility of natural gas issues in a fun atmosphere . . . Are we going to change anybody’s mind? Maybe not, but we hope to keep people focused on it.”

The AGA has been linked to at least seven parties at the Republican convention, including:

• A “Honky-Tonk Salute” barbecue for Representative Joe Barton (Texas), the chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• A “Wildcatters Ball” at Rockefeller Plaza for Senator James Inhofe (Okla.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
• A reception for Senator Pete Domenici (N.M.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
• A “Wild Wild West Saloon Party” featuring the Charlie Daniels Band and .38 Special for Representative Richard Pombo (Calif.), chairman of the House Committee on Resources, and also honoring other Republican members of the Resources Committee.
• A reception at the Johnny Cash exhibit at Sotheby’s auction house for Tennessee’s senators, Majority Leader Bill Frist and Lamar Alexander, who is chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Energy.
• A “Taste of Brooklyn” party for the Republican Governors Association.

Senators Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Saxby Chambliss (Ga.), along with a few other Southern congressional Republicans, will be feted at a Lynyrd “Free Bird” Skynyrd concert paid for by Edison Electric Institute, Southern Company electric, which gave $50,000 each, according to Mother Jones magazine, and the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche, which chipped in $25,000. Graham and Chambliss serve on the Senate Armed Services and Judiciary committees. Chambliss is on the powerful Senate Rules Committee while Graham serves on the Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee. “People in politics are going to be at these events,” an organizer of the event told Mother Jones. “They are going to have fun. They are going to want to thank somebody. And whom are they going to be thankful to? The sponsors.”

The National Federation of Independent Businesses, slated to host four events during the Republican convention, tells visitors to its Web site how crucial it is for the organization—which touts itself as the largest advocacy group for small businesses and has 600,000 members—to have a presence in New York City. “The conventions give attendees a unique opportunity to interact with the nation’s most prominent lawmakers in an intimate and exciting environment,” the Web site says in an article entitled, “NFIB Will Be at the Conventions—Will You?” It goes on, “Delegates, as well as other guests of NFIB, will have a chance to witness, and in some cases participate in, some of the most vital functions taking place within the political parties.”

Among the NFIB sponsored activities include: A golfing event to honor Representative John Boehner (Ohio) and benefiting the First Tee, a charity which teaches children how to golf. “Practice your golf skills on golf simulators and putting greens while sampling foods from around the city and learning about the important work of The First Tee,” the NFIB Web site says. Boehner, the honoree, is the chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and sits on the subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations and the subcommittee on Workforce Protections. “Pro-small-business candidates for the U.S. Senate” will be in the spotlight at NFIB’s invitation-only wine tasting event at Del Frisco’s, a New York steak house.

Rival abortion groups will host events at classic NYC venues. The Republican National Coalition for Life will be honoring pro-life members of Congress at a luncheon at the Central Park restaurant Tavern on the Green, featuring conservative commentator Ann Coulter and Miss America 2003 Erika Harold, according to the group’s Web site. Meanwhile, the Republican Majority for Choice, a pro-choice group, will hold an event with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the Sky Club, a private club.

Countless other high profile groups are throwing receptions for lawmakers. Representative Michael Oxley (Ohio), chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, is having a reception thrown in his honor by the Securities Industry Association and the Bond Market Association. Senator Chambliss is being honored by insurance giant AFLAC and Southern Company—with the funds going to “Camp Sunshine,” an Atlanta camp for children with cancer, with a private concert featuring country singer Martina McBride.

One of the most prized tickets is to the joint New York-California delegation soiree at Ellis Island featuring New York Governor George Pataki and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Another big event is the Creative Coalition’s fundraiser at the nightclub Spirit, featuring the music of Max Weinberg and the Max Weinberg 7, from NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien. The organization, which showcases comedian Whoopi Goldberg on its home page (the actress who made headlines in July by bashing President Bush at a fundraiser for Democratic nominee John Kerry), bills itself as the social and political advocacy group of the entertainment industry. Actors Rob Morrow (of Northern Exposure fame) and Joe Pantoliano (of The Sopranos), talk show host Montel Williams and comedian Joe Piscopo are listed on the group’s website as among the invitees, alongside Arizona Senator John McCain and Mississippi Senator Trent Lott.

But party-goers and hosts should beware: The New York Temporary State Commission on Lobbying will be watching. The state’s lobbying act regulates state public officials (which include the governor, the mayor of New York, state lawmakers, and so on) and companies and/or organizations registered to lobby in New York State or who have hired New York-based lobbyists. A violation of the act would include:

• If a state official accepts a gift—not including cash donations to a political campaign or charity—worth over $75.
• If an organization or company registered to lobby in New York State, or a New York lobbyist offers a state official a gift—not including cash donations to a political campaign or charity—worth over $75.

So, if entrée to any of these unofficial, lavish parties is worth in excess of $75 a head, some of the actions taken by New York based lobbyists or companies registered to lobby in New York may be illegal. David Grandeau, executive director of the Lobbying Commission, told the Center that although some lobbyists or company representatives may claim that they aren’t lobbying at these parties, the issue of lobbying is a moot point. “Whether they are lobbying or not lobbying at the party is irrelevant,” Grandeau said.

If lobbyists or organizational representatives break the lobbying law, they can be subjected to a $50,000 fine for the first offense. A second offense, under the law, is a felony, Grandeau said. “I think they have to be very careful about what they do,” he said.

Below is a list of unofficial parties compiled by the Center for Public Integrity from news reports and Internet searches. (It is not a comprehensive list of all unofficial events.)

Unofficial parties

Honoree(s)

Sponsor(s)

Location

Type of location/event description

Media

Time Warner

“Media Welcome” party. Sports Illustrated swimsuit models rumored to attend.

California members of Congress

Fleishman-Hillard, D.C. firm

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Distilled Spirits Council

New York Yacht Club

Yachting club

“Camp Sunshine” Atlanta camp for children with cancer and Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss, member of Senate Rules Committee

AFLAC insurance and Southern Company, a utility concern

Unknown

“Rocking the Apple . . . Georgia Style.” Will feature country western singer Martina McBride for private New York Concert

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

American Gas Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

Unknown

Trap-shoot tournament

Representative Joe Barton (Texas), chairman of House Committee on Energy and Commerce

American Gas Association, Edison Electric Institute, National Mining Association and Nuclear Energy Institute

Unknown

“Texas Honky-Tonk Salute” with barbecue, blue jeans and country music

Senator James M. Inhofe (Okla.), chairman of Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

American Gas Association, Edison Electric Institute and National Mining Association

Rockefeller Plaza

“The Wildcatters Ball”

Senator Pete Domenici (N.M.), chairman of Senate Committee on Energy and Natural resources

American Gas Association, Edison Electric Institute and National Mining Association

Unknown

Reception

Representative Richard W. Pombo (Calif.), chairman of House Committee on Resources, and members of Resources Committee

American Gas Association

Crobar

“Wild Wild West Saloon Party” at hip nightclub featuring the Charlie Daniels Band, .38 Special and Otis Day and the Knights

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.) and Senator Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), chairman of Subcommittee on Energy

American Gas Association

Sotheby’s

Reception at a Johnny Cash exhibit at the celebrated auction house

Republican Governors Association

American Gas Association

Unknown

“Taste of Brooklyn” party

Unknown

Coca-Cola

Copacabana

“Hispanic Event” at the 1940’s style supper club

The First Tee charity and Representative John Boehner (Ohio), chairman of House Committee on Education and the Workforce

National Federation of Independent Businesses

Unknown

“Taste of New York” tribute to the First Tee, charity for teaching children about golf and positive values.

New York dignitaries, special guests, event sponsors

National Federation of Independent Businesses

Museum of New York

Lunch reception

Pro-small business candidates for US Senate, National Federation of Independent Businesses sponsors

National Federation of Independent Businesses

Del Frisco’s

Wine tasting, invitation only event at legendary steak house.

National Federation of Independent Businesses

National Federation of Independent Businesses

A 7,700-square-foot VIP suite in an artist loft “located in the center of convention activity”

Free meals, snacks and cocktails in a suite with view of Hudson River and Empire State Building with an Internet café and wide screen TVs to watch the convention each afternoon and evening

Representative Michael Oxley (Ohio), chairman of House Committee on Financial Services

Securities Industry Association and Bond Market Association

Unknown

Reception

House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Republican congressional leaders

DaimlerChrysler and Union Pacific

Metropolitan Museum of Art

“A tribute to Republican leaders”

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.)

PepsiCo

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Reception

World of Hope, AIDS/humanitarian foundation

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.)

Rockefeller Center

Concert and reception, featuring country musicians Brooks & Dunn. All Republican senators expected to attend.

Senator Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Senator Saxby Chambliss (Ga.) and other Southern members of Congress

Edison Electrical Institute, Southern Company electric power company, Deloitte & Touche

Unknown

Concert and reception featuring rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd

House Majority Leader Representative Tom DeLay (Texas)

Unknown

Hammerstein Ballroom

Elegant ballroom at Manhattan Center Studios

Texas delegation

Unknown

Chelsea Piers

Sports and event complex on the Hudson River

Wyoming delegation

Unknown

New York Stock Exchange

Wall Street center for commerce

Unknown

GOP Lobbyist John Green with the Federalist Group, former aide to Senator Trent Lott (Miss.)

B.B. King’s Nightclub

After-hours parties featuring ZZ Top, the Marshall Tucker Band, Dicky Betts and Super Diamond

Republican Lawyers

Republican National Lawyers Association

New York Bar Association

Reception featuring Interior Secretary Gale Norton, Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi, Senator James Talent (Mo.) and C. Boyden Gray, former White House Counsel

Unknown

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, housing and mortgage trade groups

Rockefeller Center

Reception at famous ice skating rink in Rockefeller Center

Unknown

Law and lobbying firm Piper Rudnick and Consolidated Cigars

Havana Club

Will host a “smoke room”

Unknown

GOP lobbying firm Alexander Strategy Group, BellSouth and Miller Brewing

Unknown

Three-night “blues speak-easy”

The Creative Coalition

The Creative Coalition

Spirit

Benefit event at the nightclub and restaurant, featuring music of the Max Weinberg 7, along with actors Rob Morrow, Joe Pantoliano, Joe Piscopo, Senators Trent Lott (Miss.) and John McCain (Ariz.) and Representative Mary Bono (Calif.)

The Creative Coalition

The Creative Coalition, NAMM, Music for All Foundation

Caroline’s on Broadway

Forum on arts education featuring Time Magazine’s Margaret Carlson and House Deputy Majority Whip Representative Mark Foley (Fla.). Being held at classic NYC comedy club.

New York Representative Amo Houghton, retiring member of the House Ways and Means Committee

The Creative Coalition, Congressional Quarterly

Caroline’s on Broadway

Reception to honor Houghton at classic NYC comedy club

California and New York delegations

California delegation

Ellis Island

Governors George Pataki and Arnold Schwarzenegger expected

Representative Michael Oxley (Ohio), chairman of House Committee on Financial Services

American Council for Excellence and Opportunity

Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Center

Frank Sinatra Jr. will perform at the famous restaurant with great views of NYC skyline

New York and New Jersey delegations

New York Republican State Committee

Cipriani

Italian restaurant

Hispanic caucus and guests

New York Republican State Committee, Governor George Pataki

Copacabana

“Los Amigos” party for 2,000 at the 1940’s style supper club

New York Republican State Committee

New York Republican State Committee

The Water Club

Posh restaurant overlooking the East River

Unknown

Novartis

The Water Club

Posh restaurant overlooking the East River

New York Republican State Committee

New York Republican State Committee

Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum

Cocktail party at museum

New York delegation

Kodak

Tavern on the Green

Renowned restaurant in Central Park

New York Republican State Committee

New York Republican State Committee

The Central Park Zoo

Zoo

Select media

New York Republican State Committee

Elaine’s

Reception for press at restaurant famous for celebrity clientele

Latino elected officials

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Unknown

Unknown

Latino Congressional Caucus

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Univision

Gracie Mansion

Barbecue at the official, historic New York mayor’s mansion

Republican pro-choice leaders

Republican Majoirty for Choice, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York First Lady Libby Pataki

Sky Club

Private Park Avenue club. Bo Derek expected to attend.

Former mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani (New York City, Governor George Pataki (N.Y.), Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Log Cabin Republicans

Bryant Park

Outdoor venue with sculptures and European feel. Former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, former EPA Chief Christy Todd Whitman and Mayor Michael Bloomberg are expected to be in attendance

Republican donors

Republican donors

Le Cirque

Upscale restaurant with French, Italian and Asian inspired cuisine

Republican donors

Republican donors

Blue Fin

Upscale seafood restaurant wth sushi bar and raw bar

Unknown

Governor George Pataki’s wife, Libby

Tiffany’s

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” iconic Fifth Avenue store

Unknown

Bank of America

Tavern on the Green

“Financial Roundtable” at renowned restaurant in Central Park

Unknown

AstraZeneca

St. Regis Hotel

Lunch reception

House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s wife, Jean

Burlington Northern Santa Fe

The Central Park Boathouse

Lunch reception at pavilion next to a pond in the heart of Central Park, featuring a glass gazebo

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California delegation

California delegation

Tavern on the Green

Renowned restaurant in Central Park

West Virginia Republican Committee

West Virginia Republican Committee

Tavern on the Green

Renowned restaurant in Central Park

Republican pro-life members of Congress

Republican National Coalition for Life

Tavern on the Green

Renowned restaurant in Central Park, featuring Ann Coulter and Miss America 2003 Erika Harold

Wisconsin delegation

Wisconsin Republican Party

Tavern on the Green

Renowned restaurant in Central Park

National Republican Senatorial Committee, Inner Circle

National Republican Senatorial Committee

Tavern on the Green

Lunch at renowned restaurant in Central Park

National Republican Senatorial Committee, Inner Circle

National Republican Senatorial Committee

Intrepid Air Craft Carrier

Kick-off reception

National Republican Senatorial Committee, Inner Circle

National Republican Senatorial Committee

Essex House

Lunch at historic landmark across from Central Park with views of NYC skyline

National Republican Senatorial Committee, Inner Circle

National Republican Senatorial Committee

Tupelo Grill

Reception and dinner at seafood/steakhouse across from Madison Square Garden

National Republican Senatorial Committee, Inner Circle

National Republican Senatorial Committee

The Central Park Boathouse

Brunch at pavilion next to a pond in the heart of Central Park, featuring a glass gazebo

Unknown

Republican Finance Committee

The Central Park Boathouse

Event at pavilion next to a pond in the heart of Central Park, featuring a glass gazebo

Unknown

Edison Electrical Institute

The Central Park Boathouse

Cocktail party at pavilion next to a pond in the heart of Central Park, featuring a glass gazebo

Senator Richard Shelby (Ala.)

Van Scoyoc Associates, Washington lobbying firm

The Central Park Boathouse

Pavilion next to a pond in the heart of Central Park, featuring a glass gazebo

Unknown

Mississippi delegation

Tavern on the Green

Renowned restaurant in Central Park

Unknown

Verizon

Tavern on the Green

Renowned restaurant in Central Park

Unknown

AT&T

Central Park Zoo

Reception at the zoo

Wisconsin delegation

Unknown

Chelsea Piers

Brunch at sports and event complex on the Hudson River

Unknown

Pro-Israel groups

Chelsea Piers

Evening party at sports and event complex on the Hudson River

New Jersey delegation

Former N.J. Senate candidate Douglas Forrester

Liberty State Park

Reception near the Statue of Liberty

Invited guests

Republican elected officials

Temple of Dendur

15 B.C. temple in the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Invited guests from business, government, entertainment, media and law

The New York Times

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Cocktail party at jazz-inspired hall with views of Central Park and city skyline

Arab American Institute

Arab American Institute

Dahesh Museum of Arts

“An Arabian Night in New York”

Representative Sue Kelly (N.Y.), chairwoman of House subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and other elected officials

Biotechnology Industry Organization, NASDAQ

NASDAQ market site in Times Square

Reception

Representative David Dreier (Calif.), chairman of the House Rules Committee

Bank of America

Unknown

Cosmic bowling party, balls and lanes glow in the dark

Republican Governors Association

UBS Financial Services

Planet Hollywood, Times Square

Famous restaurant with entertainment theme

Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart’s (Fla.) congressional campaign

Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Cinquanta Restaurant

Reception to celebrate Diaz-Balart’s 50th birthday at upscale, “creative Italian” restaurant

Representative Marsha Blackburn’s (Tenn.) congressional campaign

Representative Marsha Blackburn

Park Avenue home of Spencer and Marlene Hayes

“Salute to New York” reception

Rep Jerry Weller of Illinois

Representative Jerry Weller of Illinois

Yankee Stadium

Yankees-Cleveland Indians game

House Speaker Dennis Hastert

General Motors

Unknown

brunch

Unknown

General Motors

Unknown

Concert with country singer Travis Tritt

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Evening concert by rock band Blondie

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Breakfast concert with singer Pat Boone

Republican Texas delegation

Republican Texas delegation

B.B. King’s Nightclub

Concert and private party featuring country singer Mark Chesnutt.

(Sources: Media reports, organization Web sites)