Posted by Jeff Zeleny at 3:33 p.m. CDT
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is headed to K Street.
K Street Lounge, that is, not the world of lobbying.
These days, most members of Congress try to avoid venturing too close to K Street, the address in downtown Washington that is associated as being paved with lobbyists. Not so for the Illinois Democrat, at least tonight, when he is hosting an "Open Mic Night" fundraiser at the sleek nightclub.
An invitation was sent around by email. A copy found its way to the Swamp. Otherwise, we might not have known about the event, which is billed as closed to the press.
The event is aimed at young professionals, who have three options to see Obama: For $75, you are considered a "Friend." For $250, you are considered a "Star" (complimentary drink included). For $500, you are a "VIP," which includes an invitation to a 30-minute private reception with the senator.
Lest you think the event is merely for cocktails, the invitation assured that substance would also be served.
"We encourage everyone to send in the topics that matter most to them so that the Senator can address these issues during the reception," the invitation said. "It is important to have an open dialogue with Young Professionals, so I hope that you will take this opportunity to share your thoughts with the Senator."
Too old? Don't worry. ("If you do not consider yourself a “Young Professional”, this email is not a mistake," the invitation said. "We hope that you will share this special invitation with friends.)
What's notable about this event? Most Obama fundraisers are held to benefit his Hopefund political action committee, which is designed to help other Democrats and pay for his political travel.
But tonight's fundraiser will benefit "Obama 2010," the senator's re-election account. What's the difference? The reelection account can be used to finance any bid for public office -- senate or whichever higher office may be on his mind.
• 
• 
• 
Comments
Jeff Zeleny writes about Barack Obama more often than the Chicago Cubs lose baseball games.
Posted by: Bruce | June 13, 2006 3:56 PM
I'm a total liberal and even I'm sick of hearing about Obama. He's a freshman senator. People already have him in the White House. It's ridiculous. I like the guy, but I would like to wait awhile before lavishing him with praise and adoration.
Posted by: Tom | June 13, 2006 4:07 PM
Bruce, I'm not sure why you're bothering to keep the statistics on either, but it looks like you complain about every mention of Barack Obama that appears under any writer, so what does that say about you?
Posted by: John | June 13, 2006 4:39 PM
He may be a freshman but he has done more in his stay then any Republican for us veterans .And you can take that to the bank.All Republicans do for veterans is cut their budget.Don't even use your talking points saying We raised the budget for veterans by 50 percent.When every GAO report shows your President based it all on phony numbers.And Obama is the first one to ask were is the 26 billion of the taxpayer money missing in Iraq.Oh thats right Bush used a signing statement to stop everyone from looking.So know what your talking about with Obama when he said there is one America he meant it. Not you Republican there is only red America ya right that's about to change.I am A Republican voting the other way
Posted by: Dale Peters | June 13, 2006 10:28 PM
Barack Obama has fathered a race of superpowered people to protect us. Thank God for him.
Posted by: Bill | June 14, 2006 10:47 PM
Barack Obama's snoring causes earthquakes. That's how awesomely powerful he is.
Posted by: Bill | June 14, 2006 10:55 PM
Swamp, Barack Obama would want you to post me. Now quit disrespecting Barack Obama. He's a great man.
Posted by: Bill | June 14, 2006 11:04 PM