Support A Worthy Cause (And Meet A Senator)

By DOUGLAS WALLER

Under new campaign-finance rules, big donors can no longer spend lavish sums to entertain politicians at the parties' national conventions. But that won't stop the partying this year. House majority leader Tom DeLay has set up a tax-exempt charity called Celebrations for Children, which will raise hundreds of thousands of dollars from top donors at the Republican Convention in New York City by offering them yacht cruises, tickets to Broadway shows and the chance to mingle with Republican lawmakers at parties. DeLay aides say all the net proceeds will go to programs for foster children, a cause the Texas Congressman has championed. Public-interest advocates claim it's just another way for fat-cat donors to curry favor with legislators.

Democrats are getting in on the act. During their Boston convention, Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas will be the host of a late-night concert party called Rockin' on the Dock of the Bay, with proceeds going to the National Childhood Cancer Foundation. According to a brochure for the event obtained by TIME, $100,000 donors will get 100 free tickets, backstage passes to meet the rock band, a "premium bar" and the chance to groove with Democratic Senators. Steve Patterson, Lincoln's campaign manager, insists his boss sees the party only as "an opportunity to raise substantial funds for a worthy cause." Chances are the donors see some side benefits. --By Douglas Waller