Congress' Bad Romance with Fundraising

Members of Congress are notorious for their constant need to raise campaign contributions. And as elections have become increasingly expensive, candidates have had to find innovative ways to keep the cash flowing to their campaign coffers. As we previously mentioned, a number of members of Congress have taken to using concerts as a venue to raise money. The Washington Post reports that Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D), an 86 year old from New Jersey, is one of the latest to try this fundraising fad, with a private suite at the concert of none other than Lady Gaga. "Goes to show you. Even at 86, "Little Monster" Lautenberg (D-N.J.) is as hip as they come, putting the fun back in fundraising -- even though he's not up for reelection this cycle. He's sure to enjoy the 24-year-old glam-pop megastar's show at Verizon Center, from the privacy of a suite paid for by Lautenberg for Senate." While we certainly don't begrudge the senator's musical preferences and desire to "just dance," we think his constituents would be better served if he was allowed to get out of this "love game" with big money. It's time that he and his fellow members of Congress end this "bad romance" with fundraising and pass the Fair Elections Now Act.