Convo watch: Romney, party-crasher
Posted: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 9:02 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Romney "is
to speak Tuesday at a counter-rally organized by Republicans in Denver near where Democrats will be gathered."
The
AP: "Business and labor interests have donated millions to the Democratic and Republican convention host committees in exchange for premium seats and special access. Many institutions will also hold parties and receptions where lawmakers can get an earful -- though not more than a mouthful -- from lobbyists and their clients. New ethics restrictions have changed the comfort level for convention parties and receptions. The rules permit food and refreshment of a nominal value, but not a meal. That limitation has turned questions once left to the kitchen, such as when finger food is more than just an hors d'oeuvre, into head-scratching legal issues."
A
little Illinois drama for "No Drama Obama"... "Democratic National Committee officials delivered a high-profile snub to Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday, announcing that three of his biggest potential rivals for re-election would be given speaking roles on the opening night of the party's nominating convention. But the beleaguered two-term governor, whose administration faces multiple federal investigations involving jobs, contracts and fundraising, is not scheduled to speak at the convention. DNC officials said state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a longtime loyalist of Sen. Barack Obama, will be among the opening night speakers. Also on stage that night will be Comptroller Dan Hynes and Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan."
