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)