Anyone who thought the Democratic National Convention was only about presidential nominee Al Gore must have missed the nonstop parties aimed at wining and dining the Democratic Party’s biggest donors.
The following is a compilation of the many private, invitation-only parties held in the Los Angeles area from before the convention gavel officially opened the proceedings August 14 through the week-long, late-night soires to the farewells on August 17. (Parties open to the public are noted below.)
The Democrats capitalized on the Tinseltown location, with several movie industry luminaries opening their homes to accommodate stars from the political and entertainment worlds. Despite a few remarks by vice presidential hopeful Joseph Lieberman on his continued commitment to rein in the entertainment industry’s excesses, his longstanding attacks on the industry’s proclivity for violence and sex seemed as far away as Washington.
Neither the Democratic Party’s main fund-raising organ, the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee nor the Democratic Leadership Council would reveal the corporate sponsors, guest lists or costs associated with the various breakfasts, lunches, welcoming receptions and late-night fêtes they hosted. Similarly, company spokesmen and women gave few, if any, details of events they underwrote.
But the DNC-affiliated Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee provided The Public i with a list of its convention partners, although it did not break down the sponsors event by event. The nonprofit, nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics obtained the DSCC’s list of convention contributors and is credited with gathering much of the Democratic National Convention event information and general campaign contribution data in the 1999-2000 election cycle, disclosed below. The Millennium Convention Project website, a collaborative project between the two major political parties, also provided some insights.
In addition, individual legislators’ offices and other political party sources provided information to The Public i, and the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today and the Associated Press reported much of the event information collated below.
None of the corporate or individual sponsors revealed how much their events cost, with the few exceptions noted.
More details of convention fund raising and campaigning expenditures will be available in the next few months as party committees and political action committees (PACs) file their August income and expenditures to the Federal Election Commission. But there is a catch: Committees do not have to disclose the flow of money for events they hosted but that were fully underwritten by corporate, labor or other sponsors.
The L.A. Convention 2000 Host Committee—which received cash, in-kind goods and services in excess of $28 million from corporations, foundations and individuals—and the $13.5 million, federally funded Democratic National Convention Committee are required to file their convention balance sheets with the FEC by mid-October, an FEC official said.
Sponsors of Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Convention Events
(as reported by the Center for Responsive Politics)
- AT&T (The telecommunications giant has contributed $3.7 million in soft money, PAC and individual contributions in the 1999-2000 election cycle, of which 35 percent has gone to Democrats, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. AT&T also doled out $1 million to each of the general Democratic and Republican convention committees.)
- American Express ($564,000, 45 percent to Democrats)
- American Council of Life Insurers ($602,000, 38 percent to Democrats)
- BellSouth Corp. ($1.7 million, 42 percent to Democrats)
- Burlington Northern Santa Fe ($619,000 in soft money, PAC and individual contributions to federal campaigns this election cycle, 32 percent to Democrats)
- Chevron ($769,000, 36 percent to Democrats)
- Edison International ($712,000, 38 percent to Democrats)
- Enron ($1.6 million, 25 percent to Democrats)
- Federal Express ($1.5 million, 38 percent to Democrats)
- Gateway ($273,000, 36 percent to Democrats)
- Global Crossing ($1.1 million, 49 percent to Democrats; also parceled out $250,000 apiece to the Democratic and GOP conventions)
- Lockheed Martin ($1.7 million, 40 percent to Democrats; also gave $100,000 to each of the Republican and Democratic conventions. Lockheed is one of the United States largest defense contractors and is lobbying Congress to approve permanent normal trade relations with China.)
- Microsoft ($2.8 million, 44 percent to Democrats; also shelled out $1 million apiece to the Democratic and Republican conventions)
- Morgan Stanley ($1.2 million, 35 percent to Democrats)
- Northrop Grumman ($285,000, 42 percent to Democrats)
- Occidental Petroleum ($349,000, 30 percent to Democrats)
- Prudential Insurance ($995,000, 46 percent to Democrats)
- Schering-Plough ($691,000, 30 percent to Democrats)
- United Parcel Service ($2.2 million, 23 percent to Democrats; another proponent of free trade with China)
Sponsors of DCCC Convention Events
(Names, but not figures or explanations, provided by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee)
- AT&T (The telecommunications giant has contributed $3.7 million in soft money, PAC and individual contributions in the 1999-2000 election cycle, of which 35 percent has gone to Democrats, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. AT&T also doled out $1 million to each of the general Democratic and Republican convention committees.)
- David Bonnet (an Internet entrepreneur and founder of GeoCities, a popular service on Yahoo.)
- Chuck and Darlyn Davenport (Chuck Davenport founded Sea West Wind Power, headquartered in Mission Valley, Calif.; Darlyn Davenport serves on the board of directors of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, known as the Delmar Fair Board.)
- Marvin and Barbara Davis (Marvin is a self-made billionaire oil and real-estate man who ranks among Forbes‘ richest people in America.)
- Leo Hindry (chairman and CEO of Global Crossing, Ltd.)
- Investment Company Institute (a trade association representing mutual funds)
- Mike and Jenna King
- David Mixner (a political strategist/gay rights activist and longtime friend of Clinton)
- Motorola, Inc. (Having a number of issues before politicians, such as free trade with China and regulatory actions, Motorola donated in excess of $1 million worth of phones and communication equipment to the GOP and Democratic conventions.)
- Haim and Cheryl Saban (The chairman of Fox Family Worldwide, Haim Saban is the creator-producer of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and a major donor to the Democratic Party. He and his company have so far contributed $591,000, 99 percent to Democrats during this election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.)
- David Shimmon (CEO of Kinetics Group, Inc. in Santa Clara, Calif., an engineering, design and construction company with electronics, pharmaceutical and other industrial clients. In his private capacity, Shimmon is also a race horse owner.)
- Aaron Tonkin, (a concert/party promoter)
- United Food and Commercial Workers Union
- Westfield Corp. (a Los Angeles-based real estate development firm)
- Northrop Grumman Corp. ($285,000, 42 percent to Democrats)
- Qwest Communications International Inc. (a fiber optic network and Internet communications company)
- Rob and Michelle Reiner (Rob Reiner is the well-known director of Stand by Me, Sleepless in Seattle, This is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, Ghosts of Mississippi, The Story of Us and more)
- Ultra Card
- United Distiller & Vintners, North America
- SBC Telecommunications Inc. ($2.1 million, 51 percent to Democrats so far this year, plus $1million to the Democratic National Convention.)
- Visa USA Inc.
- Web TV Networks Inc.
- 21st Century Group
- American Bankers Association
- American Council of Life Insurers ($602,000, 38 percent to Democrats)
- American Express Company ($564,000, 45 percent to Democrats)
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Andersen Consulting LLP
- Bacardi Martini USA
- Bechtel Group Inc.
- BellSouth Corp. ($1.7 million, 42 percent to Democrats)
- Blake Byrne (Now retired, Byrne was the co-founder, president and COO of digital spectrum broadcaster Argyle Television Inc. before it merged with the Hearst Corp. in 1997.)
- California Association of Realtors
- Consumer Electronics Association
- Continental Airlines Inc.
- Distilled Spirits Council of US, Inc.
- Edison International ($712,000, 38 percent to Democrats)
- Ernst & Young LLP ($1.8 million, 41 percent to Democrats)
- Federation of American Hospitals
- Greenberg, Traurig (a Miami-based law firm that represents more than 70 publicly held companies spanning information technology, telecommunications, real estate, entertainment, international and other fields)
- Larry and Susan Harris
- Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Inc.
- Kelly & Associates Inc.
- Major League Baseball
- The MWW Group (a public relations and marketing firm)
- National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts
- National Association of Realtors
- National Association of Beer Wholesalers Association
- Newspaper Association of America
- Northwest Airlines Inc.
- Philip Morris Cos. Inc. ($2.1 million, 18 percent to Democrats)
- Raytheon Co. ($674,000, 40 percent to Democrats)
- The Boeing Co.
- TransAmerica Corp. (an insurance company based in California and Maryland)
- United Airlines
- United States Telecommunications Association
- US Airways
- Verizon Communications (along with its competitors SBC and Comcast Corp., Verizon donated goods or services to the convention worth at least $1 million, according to the Los Angeles Times.)
- Walt Disney Co. (876,000, 53 percent to Democrats)
- WebMD (a health website)
Democratic National Convention Events
Convention Opening Celebration honoring Representative Richard Gephardt (Mo.), House Minority Leader, Sun., August 13, 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Host: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Sponsors: Andersen Consulting, AT&T, BellSouth Corp., Ernst & Young, Walt Disney Co. and chef-restaurateur Wolfgang Puck, who owns Spago restaurant.
Location: Spago, Beverly Hills
Luncheon honoring Representative John Dingell (Mich.), Mon., August 14
Host: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
(Dingell is the ranking member of the House Commerce Committee, which oversees energy, health, telecommunications and other industries. Dingell is also expected to be the chief architect of an imminent electricity deregulation bill.)
Sponsors: American Gas Association (which has contributed $394,000 to federal elections this cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, of which 41 percent to Democrats), Edison Electric Institute ($547,000, 48 percent to Democrats), National Mining Association ($248,000, 23 percent to Democrats), and Nuclear Energy Institute
Location: House of Blues
Dinner for “Team 2000” donors (the highest category of DCCC donors, those who give $100,000 and up), August 14, 8:30 p.m.
Host: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Location: Home of Haim Saban, Bel-Air
Late Night Party for Majority Council and Team 2000 donors (those who give $50,000 and up), August 14, 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Host: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Sponsor: Voter.com
Location: House of Blues
Business Forum Reception honoring Representative Ellen Tauscher (Calif.), Tues., August 15, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Host: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
(Tauscher sits on the Armed Services and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.)
Location: L.A. City Club
Reception honoring Representative Charles Rangel (N.Y.), Wed., August 16, 3 p.m. -5 p.m.
Host: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
(Rangel is the ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee and a member of the Joint Taxation Committee.)
Location: TransAmerica Building
Event honoring DCCC Chairman Representative Patrick Kennedy (R.I.), August 16, 9:30 p.m. -midnight
Host: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Location: Egyptian Theater, American Cinematheque Museum, West Hollywoo
New Democrat Welcome Reception, Sun., August 13, 5 p.m. -7 p.m.
Host: Democratic Leadership Council
The DLC is a nonprofit, 501©(4) organization founded in 1984 and currently chaired by Senator Joseph Lieberman (Conn.). It espouses centrist, pro-business stances. Past chairmen include Bill Clinton, former Representative Dave McCurdy (Okla.), Senator John Breaux (La.), former Senator Sam Nunn (Ga.), Senator Charles Robb (Va.) and House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (Mo.).
Sponsor: Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA)
Location: Tiara Restaurant and Bar, Poolside, Beverly Renaissance Hotel
“Celebrate the Success” Dinner, Mon., August 14, 7:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.
Host: Democratic Leadership Council
Sponsors: TRW, a Cleveland-based technology, manufacturing and service company; and the American Chemistry Council. Neither company returned phone calls seeking comment.
Location: Casa del Mar Hotel, Santa Monica
“Mardi Gras Goes Hollywood” Party hosted by Senator John Breaux (La.), deputy minority whip and a member of the Commerce and Finance committees, Tues., August 15, 7 p.m.
Host: Democratic Leadership Council
Sponsors: American Council of Life Insurance, American Gaming Association, AT&T, BellSouth Corp., Bristol-Myers, Squibb, Brown & Williamson ($821,000, 12 percent to Democrats), Dominion Resources (a Richmond, Va.-based gas and power company; $1 million, 36 percent to Democrats), Edison Electric Institute, Enron, Florida Power ($60,750, 48 percent to Democrats), International Paper ($631,750, 2 percent to Democrats), Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Merck ($410,000, 23% to Democrats), Novartis ($483,000, 23% to Democrats), Nortel Networks ($329,000, 53% to Democrats), SBC Communications Inc., Southern Co., Texaco ($376,000, 25% to Democrats), and Waste Management Inc. ($453,000, 23% to Democrats).
Location: Paramount Studios
“Constellation Event Honoring the 100 Top New Democrat Stars of the Future” featuring up-and-coming officeholders at the state and local levels, Wed., August 16, 3 p.m. -5:30 p.m.
Host: Democratic Leadership Council
Sponsors: Paine Webber, Bacardi
Location: City Club, Downtown L.A.
Welcome Party honoring DNC National Chairman Joe Andrew for major donors, Sat., August 12, 6 p.m. – 8p.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
Location: The Conga Room, West Hollywood (The Conga Room is owned by actress-singer Jennifer Lopez and other Latino celebrities.)
Brunch honoring members of the Cabinet for major donors, Sun., August 13, noon
Host: Democratic National Committee
Location: Casa Del Mar, Santa Monica
Baseball Game: Anaheim Angels vs. New York Yankees for major donors (limited seating), August 13, 5 p.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
Reception for donors in the Major Supporter, Jefferson Trust, Leadership 2000 and Chairman’s Circle categories, August 13, 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
(Guests received $100 coupons toward purchases from the posh Rodeo Drive boutique.)
Sponsor: Armani for DNC
Location: Armani boutique, Beverly Hills
Tea and Tour of Tipper Gore’s Photo Exhibit “The Way Home” for DNC Women’s Leadership Forum Platinum Council (donors who give $125 and up), Mon., August 14, 3 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
Sponsor: DNC Women’s Leadership Forum
Location: Los Angeles County Library
DNC/DSCC Dinner and California Party honoring President Clinton for top donors, August 14, 8 p.m.-midnight
Host: Democratic National Committee
Program: Governor Gray Davis (D-Calif.), Michael Bolton and other entertainers
Sponsors: SBC Communications Inc. (primary sponsor); Cadiz Inc., Chevron, E. & J. Gallo Winery, George M. Marcus, Hewlett Packard Co. (which has contributed $79,391 to federal campaigns this year, of which 30 percent went to Democrats, as well as given $250,000 apiece to the general Democratic and GOP convention committees), Maxxam, Metabolife, QWEST Communications, and State Farm Insurance Cos. (second-tier sponsors); Anheuser Busch Cos., Inc., California Pipe Trades, Development Specialists, Inc., Kmart Corporation, Kraft Foods, Inc., NetZero, Pechanga Band of Luseño Mission Indians, Professional Engineers in California Government, Reliant Energy, Rite Aid, Sempra Energy, Sprint Communications, Verizon, and Washington Mutual.
Location: Paramount Studios
Presidential Dinner honoring Lew Wasserman, former chairman of Universal Studios and one of the Democratic Party’s biggest individual donors and all-time fund-raisers. August 14, 8 p.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
The party was attended by those who have contributed $50,000 or more to the Democratic Party,
Sponsors: Mortgage bankers, Realtors, homebuilders and Fannie Mae (according to the Washington Post)
Location: Paramount Studios
Senior Celebration: Family Fiesta, Tues., August 15, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Open to the public)
Host: Democratic National Committee
Sponsor: Seniors Coalition
Location: 1401 S. Hope St.
Women’s Leadership Forum Executive and Platinum Council Luncheon, August 15, noon- 2 p.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
Sponsor: DNC Women’s Leadership Forum
Location: Los Angeles Museum of Art
Politically Incorrect (ABC-TV show with host Bill Maher): Reception and Taping, August 15, 9 p.m.-11 p.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
Sponsor: DNC Women’s Leadership Forum Executive and Platinum councils
Location: Politically Incorrect set
Late-Night Party with National Chairman Joe Andrew and General Chairman Ed Rendell, August 15, 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
Sponsors: America Online and United Parcel Service
Location: Sky Bar (owned by Rande Gerber, Cindy Crawford’s husband)
Convention Sponsors Brunch with DNC National Chairman Joe Andrew and General Chairman Ed Rendell, Wed., August 16, 11 a.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
Location: Hotel Bel-Air
Celebration of Ethnic America 2000 for delegates and invited guests, August 16, noon- 2 p.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
Sponsor: Ethnic America 2000
Location: Westin Bonaventure Hotel
Dinner with Vice Presidential Nominee Joseph Lieberman for Jefferson Trust, Leadership 2000 and Chairman’s Circle donors, August 16, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Host: Democratic National Committee
Nomination Night Pre-Gavel Reception honoring members of the Blue Dog Coalition, a pro-business group of approximately 30 conservative and moderate House Democrats, Thurs., August 17, 3 p.m.
Host: DNC’s Democratic Business Council.
Location: Windows in the TransAmerica Tower
“Nomination Celebration” fund-raising concert honoring Gore and Lieberman, August 17, following Gore’s speech
Host: Democratic National Committee
Program Whoopi Goldberg (emcee), Barbra Streisand, Enrique Iglesias, Boys II Men, and Babyface. Tickets cost $150 to $20,000, with an after-party with Streisand, Gore and Lieberman costing an additional $5,000. More than $5 million poured into party coffers as more than 6,000 people jammed the place where the Academy Awards were handed out last year.
Location: Shrine Auditorium
Luncheon honoring the Congressional Class of 2002 for “Majority Trust” donors, Mon., August 14, noon-2 p.m.
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
(Majority Trust is the highest echelon of donors, although the DSCC did not return calls seeking details.)
Location: Crustacean, Beverly Hills
Convention Kickoff Cocktail Reception, August 14, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Location: Home of Lew and Edie Wasserman (Lew Wasserman, the former chairman of Universal Studios, is one of the Democrats’ biggest individual donors and fund raisers.)
DNC/DSCC Dinner and California Party honoring President Clinton for top donors, August 14, 8 p.m.-midnight.
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Program: California Governor Gray Davis, Michael Bolton and other entertainers
Sponsors: SBC Communications Inc. (primary sponsor); Cadiz Inc., Chevron, E. & J. Gallo Winery, George M. Marcus, Hewlett Packard Co., Maxxam, Metabolife, QWEST Communications, State Farm Insurance Cos. (second-tier sponsors); Anheuser Busch Cos, Inc., California Pipe Trades, Development Specialists, Inc., Kmart Corporation, Kraft Foods, Inc., NetZero, Pechanga Band of Luseño Mission Indians, Professional Engineers in California Government, Reliant Energy, Rite Aid, Sempra Energy, Sprint Communications, Verizon, and Washington Mutual.
Location: Paramount Studios
Reception for Majority Trust donors, Tues., August 15, 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Location: Armand Hammer Museum, Occidental Petroleum headquarters, 10889 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. (Occidental did not return calls seeking comment.)
Dinner honoring Senator Robert Torricelli (N.J.), DSCC chairman, August 15, 8 p.m.
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Sponsor: AT&T
Location: Spago, Beverly Hills
Late Night with Senator Harry Reid (Nev.), Minority Whip, August 15, 9 p.m.
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Location: The Garden of Eden, Hollywood
Luncheon for Majority Trust donors, Wed., August 16, noon
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Location: Green Acres Estate at the home of Ron Burkle (Burkle is the managing general partner and founder of The Yucaipa Companies, which has completed 16 mergers with and acquisitions of supermarkets, online entertainment and other companies valued at more than $30 billion since 1986.)
Dinner for Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (S.D.), August 16
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Sponsor: Global Crossing (a Bermuda-based communications company seeking federal approval to lay a telecommunications cable across the Pacific that would link the United States and Asia)
Location: Water Grill, downtown
“Women on the Road” Breakfast, Thurs., August 17, 8:30 a.m.
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Location: Beverly Hills Hotel
Luncheon for Majority Trust donors, August 17, noon
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
In attendance: Senators Tom Daschle (S.D.), Robert Torricelli (N.J.), Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) and Charles Robb (Va.) and others
Location: Home of Haim and Cheryl Saban, Bel-Air
Closing reception honoring Senators Robert Torricelli (N.J.), John Kerry (Mass.) and Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) for “Majority Trust and Leadership Circle” donors, August 17, 4 p.m.
Host: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Location: Barneys New York – Beverly Hills store
Concert in tribute to President Clinton for the Democratic Party’s biggest donors (followed by a midnight dinner with the president, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Chelsea Clinton and selected celebrities), Sat., August 12
Host: Others
Entertainment: Toni Braxton, Shirley MacLaine and Diana Ross.
In attendance: Ted Danson, John Travolta, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and others
Location: An estate in Mandeville Canyon
“1199” Foundation Fundraising Dinner, August 12, evening
Sponsors: UAW and Daimler Chrysler
Location: Peterson Automotive Museum
Lunch with the President and First Lady for about 70 of the Democratic Party’s biggest donors, Sun., August 13
Location: Barbra Streisand’s home, Malibu
Reception honoring Senators Robert Torricelli (N.J.) and Patrick Leahy (Vt.), Representatives John LaFalce (N.Y.), George Miller (Calif.), Joe Moakley (Mass.) and James Oberstar (Minn.), August 13, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Sponsor: Italian American Democratic Leadership Council
Location: Matteo’s Restaurant
Celebrating our Stars: The Openly LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Delegates, Elected Officials, Allies and Friends at the DNCC 2000, August 13, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Sponsor: L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center
Location: L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza
“Affirming Faith, Affirming Choice: An Interfaith Convocation,” August 13, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. (open to public)
Sponsor: Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Location: St. John’s Episcopal Church
Community Forum (ticketed event for the public), August 13, 4 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Location: University of Southern California campus
Sponsor: Unity 21, the official organization of the Congressional Black Caucus
Jewish Community Convention Celebration, August 13, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Sponsors: American Israel Public Affairs Committee, National Jewish Democratic Council, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, The United Jewish Communities
Location: Sony Studios, Culver City
“The Freedom Forum – Cyber Political Revolution: 2000 and Beyond,” August 13, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Sponsors: The Freedom Forum and Freedom Channel
Location: Hotel Intercontinental
“Welcome to Los Angeles” Reception honoring Representative Charles Rangel (N.Y.), August 13, 5 p.m.
(Rangel is the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee and a member of the Joint Taxation Committee.)
Hosts: George Brown, former lieutenant governor of Colorado; Karen Gordy, daughter-in-law of Motown founder Berry Gordy; San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown; California Assemblyman and Speaker Emeritus Antonio Villaraigosa.
Sponsors: Lockheed Martin; Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld (a D.C.-based law firm with communications, energy, environmental, health care, real estate, tax and other clients) and others
Location: The Barfly, Sunset Blvd.
“Late Night with the Blue Dog Coalition,” August 13
(The Blue Dog Coalition is a pro-business group consisting of roughly 30 conservative and moderate House Democrats)
Entertainment: singer Patty Loveless
Sponsors: National Rifle Association (which has contributed $1.7 million in soft money, PAC and individual contributions in the 1999-2000 election cycle, of which 8 percent has gone to Democrats, according to the Center for Responsive Politics), Philip Morris, U.S. Tobacco ($1.2 million, 10 percent to Democrats), Raytheon, and Southern Co. ($994,000, 22 percent to Democrats). Other donors included the Cigar Association of America and Pepsi.
Each sponsor reportedly gave $50,000 to the event.
Location: Santa Monica Pier
Reception (open to the public), August 13, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sponsors: People for the American Way, Working Assets, a long-distance carrier, and Voters for Choice
Location: Beverly Hilton Hotel
Dessert Reception honoring President Clinton and his administration for the party’s biggest donors, August 13
Location: St. Regis Hotel
Luncheon and wine tasting honoring Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (Calif.) and the Hispanic Democratic Members of Congress, Mon., August 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sponsor: Bank of America
Location: San Antonio Winery
Lunch honoring Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, Representative Richard Gephardt and the Missouri delegation, August 14, noon-2 p.m.
Sponsors: UAW and DaimlerChrysler
Location: Peterson Automotive Museum
“Salute to African American Clergy,” August 14, noon-2 p.m.
Sponsor: Unity 21, the official organization of the Congressional Black Caucus
Location: Four Seasons Hotel
Party honoring Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (Md.), August 14
Host and Sponsor: TransAmerica
Location: TransAmerica Building
“The Progressive Call: Working Family Agenda” Discussion (Open to the public), August 14, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Speakers: Senator Paul Wellstone (Minn.), John Sweeney (president, AFL-CIO), the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Representative Maxine Waters (Calif.), Representative Jan Schakowsky (Ill.), Antonio Villaraigosa (speaker emeritus, California Assembly), James K. Galbraith (economist, University of Texas), Celinda Lake (pollster, Lake Snell Perry) and Roger Hickey (Campaign for America’s Future).
Sponsors: Campaign for America’s Future (a nonprofit organization), AFL-CIO
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel
Golf Tournament, August 14 (all day)
Sponsors: Coca Cola ($602,000, 53 percent to Democrats this election cycle) and Nike ($40,000, 51 percent to Democrats)
(President Clinton was expected to play, but canceled at the last minute in order to prepare his speech for that night.)
The Governor’s California Welcome Party for delegates, alternates and invited guests, August 14, 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sponsor: Governor Gray Davis Committee
Location: Paramount Back Lot, Hollywood
DASHPAC Dinner, followed by dance party honoring Senator Minority Leader Tom Daschle (S.D.), August 14, 8 p.m.
(DASHPAC is Daschle’s political action committee)
Sponsors: AT&T, Philip Morris, Walt Disney, America Online ($1.2 million, 44 percent to Democrats), Federal Express, Microsoft, and the Wine & Spirit Wholesalers Association of America ($240,000, 29 percent to Democrats)
Location: La Boca Restaurant and the Conga Room, West Hollywood
“Stars of the Democratic Party,” August 14
Sponsors: American Gas Association, Edison Electric Institute, National Mining Association and Enron
Location: Staples Center
New Democrat Network (NDN) Party honoring Senator Lieberman, August 14
(This was one of four NDN events for companies or individuals who donated $10,000 or $25,000 to help underwrite the PAC’s convention activities, according to the Associated Press. NDN is a PAC Lieberman helped found in 1996 to support centrist, pro-business Democrats, and FEC records show it has given more than $200,000 to such candidates in the latest election cycle. Among its donors are oil companies Texaco, Koch and Occidental, drug companies Merck, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Glaxo Wellcome, and tobacco company Brown & Williamson.)
In attendance: Senators Bob Graham (Fla.), John Breaux (La.), Mary Landrieu (La.) and Representatives Cal Dooley (Calif.), Adam Smith (Wash.) and Jim Moran (Va.) and others
Sponsors: Microsoft Corp. (Koch Industries, America Online, AT&T Wireless, Lucent Technologies and Citigroup. (Citigroup has contributed $942,295 to federal campaigns this election cycle, of which 45 percent has gone to Democrats. The financial services giant is also Lieberman’s number-one campaign contributor and Gore’s third-biggest career patron.)
Location: Home of David Salzman, executive producer of the controversial Jenny Jones talk show. Salzman’s other claims to fame include Dallas, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the 1993 Clinton inauguration and Academy Awards shows.
“A Salute to a New Generation of Democrats,” August 14, 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (ticketed event for the public)
Host and Sponsor: George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management . (George Washington University did not return calls seeking comment.)
Location: Mayfair Hotel
West Wing Party, August 14
In attendance: TV show cast members such as Martin Sheen, plus their real-life counterparts, such as first daughter Chelsea Clinton and David Kendall, the president’s lawyer
Sponsor: The West Wing TV show
Location: Warner Bros. Studio
Party honoring Representative John Conyers, Jr. (Mich.), ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, August 14
Sponsors: General Motors ($597,000, 27 percent to Democrats; also gave $1 million to each of the Republican and Democratic convention host committees) and United Auto Workers ($1.4 million, 99 percent to Democrats). As it did at the Republican convention, GM, the world’s biggest auto manufacturer, provided about 450 vehicles for convention officials. And, like its rival DaimlerChrysler, GM threw a number of parties for politicians and delegations from key states. Foremost on automakers’ agendas are fuel efficiency standards, tax and labor issues.
Dinner honoring Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (Calif.) and Hispanic Democratic members of Congress, August 14, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sponsor: Sempra Energy
Location: Cicada’s Restaurant
“A Lonestar Celebration” for Texas delegates and invited guests, August 14, 8 p.m.-10p.m.
Host: Representative Martin Frost (Texas), Democratic Caucus chairman
Sponsors: Philip Morris and 32 others
Location: Skirball Cultural Center
Reception and Concert honoring Representative Steny Hoyer (Md.), August 14, 8 p.m.-11p.m.
(Hoyer is ranking member of the Committee on House Administration and a member of the Appropriations Committee.)
Sponsor: The Recording Academy
Location: The Recording Academy, Santa Monica
Reception honoring Representative Barbara Lee (Calif.), August 14, 8 p.m.- midnight
(Lee sits on the Banking and Financial Services and the International Relations committees.)
Sponsors: Dickerson Employee Benefits
Location: Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
BETA Forum on Black Political Empowerment (Open to the public), Tues., August 15, 7:30 a.m. – noon
Sponsor: Blacks in Entertainment and Telecommunications Assoc. (BETA) & USC Black Alumni Assoc.
Location: University of Southern California
“Challenge the Radical Right in the Language of Faith: Success Stories,” August 15, 8:45 a.m. – 10 a.m. (Open to the public)
The Interfaith Alliance
Location: Omni Los Angeles Hotel
Brunch with Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill, Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles, August 15, 10 a.m. -12:30p.m.
Sponsor: Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill
Location: Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific
Forum on the Future of the Supreme Court, August 15, 10:30 a.m.- noon (Open to the public)
Location: Omni Los Angeles Hotel
People for the American Way, Working Assets and Voters for Choice
Luncheon for Nurse Delegates, August 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:30p.m.
Location: Zita Trattoria
Sponsor: American Nurses Association
“California Women in the Lead” Luncheon with First Lady Sharon Davis, August 15, noon-2 p.m.
Sponsor: California WOMEN VOTE 2000! (a joint committee of EMILY’S List and the California Democratic Party)
Location: The Regent Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills
Congressional Black Caucus Luncheon Honoring Representative James Clyburn (S.C.), chairman of Unity 21, and CBC members, August 15, noon-2 p.m.
(Clyburn is on the Appropriations Committee).
Sponsor: Unity 21, the official organization of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).
Location: L.A. Athletic Club.
Delaware Delegation Luncheon, August 15, noon-2p.m.
Sponsors: UAW and DaimlerChrysler
Location: Peterson Automotive Museum
DLCC Luncheon honoring Democratic State Legislatures, August 15, noon-2p.m.
Host: The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), a PAC supported by corporations, unions, associations and individuals from throughout the country. Established in 1993, the DLCC is the newest campaign committee within the national Democratic Party structure. The committee is charged with providing strategic services and financial assistance to Democratic leaders and candidates at the state legislative level.
Sponsor: Philip Morris, Brown & Williamson, U.S. Tobacco, the Cigar Association and possibly others
Location: The California Science Center Exposition Park
Luncheon honoring Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (Calif.) and the Hispanic Democratic Members of Congress, August 15, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sponsor: Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
Location: Union Station
Reception for Members of the 106th Congress, August 15, 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.
Sponsors: RR Donnelley & Sons and the National Association of Letter Carriers
Location: Floor Fifty Restaurant
“The Progressive Call: The Education Opportunity” Discussion, August 15, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
Speakers: Rob Reiner, Robert Reich (former Secretary of Labor), Representative Chaka Fattah (Pa.), Bob Chase (President, National Education Association), California Representative Hilda Solis, and others.
Sponsors: Campaign for America’s Future, National Education Association (the natiopn’s largest teachers union)
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel
Reception honoring Representative John Murtha (Pa.), August 15, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
(Murtha is the second highest ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.)
Sponsors: Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, which also jointly gave a high-tech show at the Republican convention in Philadelphia. On both occasions, the alliance and chamber spotlighted robotics and information systems developments in the Pittsburgh region.
Location: Warner Brothers Museum
Party honoring Senator Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), August 15
Host & Sponsor: TransAmerica
Location: TransAmerica Building
Ice Cream Social Honoring American University alumni : Representative Loretta Sanchez (Calif.), Representative Ken Bentsen (Texas), Senator Robert Byrd (W.Va.), Jim McGovern (Mass.), D.C. “shadow” Senator Paul Strauss and DNC Executive Director Rob Engel, August 15, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Host & Sponsor: American University’s School of Public Affairs, which held a similar event in Philadelphia during the Republican Convention.
“We did this to promote the school and to connect with our alumni. This was not any type of lobbying; our government relations people were not there,” said Laurie Boeh, director of development, AU School of Public Affairs. The school spent less than $5,000 for the two events combined, she said.
Location: L.A. Athletic Club
“Dodger Day 2000” honoring House and Senate commerce committee members, August 15
Attended by retired Dodger stars Roger McDowell and Lou Johnson, and others
Sponsors: L.A. Dodgers owner News Corp. ($149,000, 50 percent to Democrats), the United States Telecom Association (whose president, Roy Neel, is a former chief of staff for Gore), AT&T
Location: Dodger Stadium
“An Afternoon in Casablanca,” August 15, 3 p.m. -5 p.m.
Location: The Hotel Figueroa
Sponsors: Credit Union National Association (CUNA), California Credit Union League and CUNA Mutual Group
Reception for Social Worker Delegates, August 15, 6:30 p.m. -9 p.m.
Sponsors: National Association of Social Workers-Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW-PACE) and CAL PACE
Location: The Union Center for the Arts
Arab American Tribute to the 2000 DNC honoring the four Arab-American Democratic members of Congress : Representatives John Baldacci (Maine), Pat Danner (Missouri), Chris John (La.) and Nick Rahall II (W.Va.), August 15, 7 p.m. – 11p.m. (Open to the public)
Host and Sponsor: Arab American Foundation, a nonprofit organization. This was a “general cultural celebration,” with food music and dancing, according to a foundation spokeswoman.
Co-sponsors: George Salem of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld (law firm); CMS Energy, Agrama Trust, and Stephen Yokich (president of International Union of United Autoworkers)
Location: The Hotel Figueroa
Gay/Lesbian Delegation Reception, August 15, 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sponsor: Verizon Communications
Location: House of Blues
“Salute to Irish Americans,” for “Irish” delegates and other invitees, August 15, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sponsors: Local 74 and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), New York District
Location: Jonathan Club
“An Elegant Evening Under the Stars Honoring Mayors and County Elected Officials,” August 15, 8 p.m.-midnight
Program: Jerry Butler, the Gap Band, Morris Day and The Time with “Special Guests” Danny Glover and Felix Justice
Hosts and Sponsors: Fannie Mae and the National Conference of Black Mayors (principals); National Association of Counties and the U.S. Conference of Mayors
Location: Paramount Studios
“An Evening with Women Candidates,” August 15, 8:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.
Sponsor: Women’s Information and Resources Candidate Clearinghouse (WIRCC)
Location: Ciudad
Missouri Delegation Event honoring Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, August 15, 8:45 p.m.- midnight
Location: Universal Studios
Sponsors: Southwestern Bell and others
Indiana Delegation Party, August 15, 9 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sponsors: United Auto Workers and DaimlerChrysler
Location: Peterson Automotive Museum
Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (Calif.) Welcoming Event, August 15, 9 p.m.-midnight (Open to the public)
Sponsor: AT&T
Location: CA Plaza
Fund-raising Party hosted by Representative Loretta Sanchez (Calif.) and her Hispanic Unity PAC, August 15, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sponsors: Anheuser-Busch ($1.1 million, 50% to Democrats), Playboy Enterprises ($19,000, 92 percent to Democrats) and others
Location: B.B. King House of Blues, Universal City Walk (Originally set for the controversial Playboy Mansion until Al Gore intervened out of concern about the image it would project. This had been one of the most highly sought-after events.)
Breakfast fund-raiser honoring Representative Charles Rangel (N.Y.), Wed., August 16, 8 a.m.
Sponsor: Mickey Kantor’s law firm, Mayer, Brown & Platt, whose clients include Aetna, America Online and General Electric. Kantor, the host, was Clinton’s commerce secretary and U.S. trade representative.
Location: Westin Plaza
Breakfast for Senator Edward Kennedy (Mass.), the top Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, August 16, 10 a.m.
Sponsor: National Education Association
Location: Omni Hotel, downtown
“Elections: Bush’s Record on Guns” forum, August 16, 10 a.m.- noon (Open to the public)
Program: Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo, and Peter Hart and Nina Butts of Texas Against Gun Violence
Sponsors: Handgun Control, Inc. (a nonprofit company) and Working Assets, a long-distance carrier.
Location: Omni Hotel
“Defending Civil Rights and American Interests: A View from the Frontline” panel discussion led by Minority Whip Representative David Bonior (Mich.), August 16, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (Open to the public)
Host and Sponsor: Arab American Foundation
Location: Westin Bonaventure
Assembly Democratic Leadership Honors Nationwide Legislators, August 16, noon-2 p.m.
Sponsor: United Auto Workers and DaimlerChrysler
Location: Peterson Automotive Museum
Unity 21 Donors Luncheon, August 16, noon-2 p.m.
Sponsor: Unity 21, the official organization of the Congressional Black Caucus
Location: Reign restaurant, Beverly Hills, owned by Keyshawn Johnson, NFL Pro Bowl receiver.
Party honoring the Maryland delegation, August 16
Host and Sponsor: TransAmerica
Location: TransAmerica Building
Party honoring Senator Jeff Bingaman (N.Mex.), ranking Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, August 16
Sponsor: Enron
Location: Santa Monica hotel
“The Progressive Call: The Global Challenge” discussion, August 16, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
Speakers: Representative David Bonior (Mich.), Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. (Ill.), Representative Barney Frank (Mass.), Robbie Cox (president, Sierra Club), George Becker (president, United Steelworkers), Celinda Lake (pollster, Lake Snell Perry), and Lydia Lester (Students Against Sweatshops)
Sponsors: Campaign for America’s Future, Sierra Club
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel
“A Celebration of Women of Color” Luncheon honoring 14 Democratic female members of Congress, August 16, 1:30 p.m. -3 p.m.
Attendees: Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (Calif.), Patsy Mink (Hawaii), Maxine Waters (Calif.), Corrine Brown (Fla.), Julia Carson (Ind.), Donna Christian Christensen (Virgin Islands, Eva Clayton (N.C.), Carolyn Kilpatrick (Mich.), Barbara Lee (Calif.), Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas), Carrie Meek (Fla.), Juanita Millender-McDonald (Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), and Stephanie Tubbs Jones (Ohio)
Hosts: Carole Simpson, anchor, ABC-TV World News Sunday and WomenVote 2000 national chairwoman Irene Natividad.
Sponsors: General Motors, SBC Communications Inc., AT&T, AHP Wyeth Ayerst, Sal Diaz-Verson, SallieMae, and Mitsubishi Motors
Location: Wilshire Grand Hotel
DASHPAC Reception honoring Founding Members, the biggest donors, August 16, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel, West Hollywood
“Academy of Savings” Awards Reception honoring Senator John Breaux (La.) and Democratic members of the House and Senate finance committees, August 16, 2 p.m. -5 p.m.
Host: Savings Coalition of America.
Sponsors: Merrill Lynch ($1.2 million, 36 percent to Democrats), American Express and Prudential Insurance ($995,000, 46 percent to Democrats).
Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
DLCC Cocktail Party honoring 100 top donors, August 16, evening
Host: The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), a PAC supported by corporations, unions, associations, and individuals from throughout the country. Established in 1993, the DLCC is the newest campaign committee within the national Democratic Party structure. The committee is charged with providing strategic services and financial assistance to Democratic leaders and candidates at the state legislative level.
Location: Ervin “Magic” Johnson’s house
NFD Delegates’ Reception/Party, August 16, 9 p.m.-midnight (Open to public but donation required)
Host: New Frontier Democratic (NFD) Club
Location: Little J’s Restaurant & Lounge
Ohio Delegation Party, August 16, 9 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sponsors: UAW and DaimlerChrysler
Location: Peterson Automotive Museum
Salute to African American Elected Officials, August 16, 9 p.m.-midnight
Sponsors: Ron Sims, county executive of King County, Wash., and Wayne Curry, county executive of Prince George’s County, Md.
Location: Private home
New Democrat Network/Technology Network High-Tech Bash, August 16, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
(Tech Net is a coalition of donors from Silicon Valley that has contributed $122,159 in total to both parties this election cycle, of which 38 percent has gone to Democrats, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.)
Attendees: Computer industry CEOs and members of Congress
Location: The Garden of Eden, Hollywood
Fund-raising Party for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, August 16, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
(A similar fund raiser was held at the Republican convention in Philadelphia to benefit the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Neither was a lobbying event or political party fund raiser, a George magazine spokeswoman said.)
Tickets cost $500 to $10,000, but the final figure raised was not yet known, the spokeswoman said.
In attendance: Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo, Christopher and Dana Reeve, Michael J. Fox, Michael Douglas, Ted Danson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and several other politicians and Hollywood celebrities. Melissa Etheridge performed.
Sponsor: George magazine and the Creative Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan entertainment industry group promoting First Amendment rights, education and the arts
Location: Home of Lawrence Bender, the Good Will Hunting producer best known for his collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown).
“Late Night with DGA,” August 16, 10 p.m.- midnight
Host: Democratic Governors’ Association
Sponsor: Philip Morris and possibly others
Location: Conga Room
“Beyond Election Day: How a President Prepares to Govern,” with speaker Leon Panetta, Clinton’s former chief of staff, Thurs., August 17, 10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Sponsor: Council for Excellence in Government (a nonprofit organization using a grant from Pew Charitable Trusts, which sponsored a similar event at the Republican convention)
Location: Los Angeles Times
Luncheon honoring U.S. ambassadors and international political leaders, August 17, noon -2 p.m.
Sponsors: National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (a D.C.-based nonprofit organization promoting democracy around the world), DaimlerChrysler and United Auto Workers
Location: Peterson Automotive Museum, West Hollywood
Lunch honoring the Congressional Black Caucus, August 17, noon-2 p.m.
Sponsor: Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
Location: Union Station, downtown
After-Party with the Congressional Black Caucus, August 17, following Gore’s acceptance speech
Sponsor: Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
Location: Sony Studios, Culver City
Issues Forum: “The Democratic Platform and You,” August 15, 1 p.m. -3 p.m. (Open to the public)
Host: Democratic National Committee
Sponsor: DNC Women’s Leadership Forum
Location: Wilshire Grand Hotel
Reception honoring members of the White House administration and staff, August 12, 8 p.m. – midnight
Location: Windows Restaurant
Sponsors: L.A. City Councilman Nate Holden and his son, Pasadena City Councilman Chris Holden.
NDI Annual Democracy Awards Event, August 14, 11:30.a.m.-2 p.m.
Sponsors: National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (a D.C.-based nonprofit organization promoting democracy around the world), Global Crossing, and Pacific Capital Group
Location: Grand Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
DLCC Leaders Luncheon, August 14, noon-2 p.m.
Host: The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), a PAC supported by corporations, unions, associations and individuals from throughout the country. Established in 1993, the DLCC is the newest campaign committee within the national Democratic Party structure. The committee is charged with providing strategic services and financial assistance to Democratic leaders and candidates at the state legislative level.
Location: Cafe Pinot
Lunch for Arab American delegates with Leon Furth, Gore’s national security adviser, August 14
Sponsor: Arab American Foundation
Location: Byblos Restaurant, West L.A.
After Hours Party, August 14
Sponsors: UAW & DaimlerChrysler
Location: Peterson Automotive Museum