Holiday 'Party' Invit$ of the Week

With the year-end fund-raising deadline approaching, Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) is dabbling in a seasonal trend: holiday-themed parties masked as fundraisers, giving new meaning to Christmas greenery.

Folks can join Dent on Dec. 11 for "cocktails and holiday cheer," according to an email invitation he sent this week. A cartoon of jolly, happy Santa standing under falling snow warms the heart -- until you read that it's you, fair donors, not Santa, who's expected to bring the loot: $500 per person, $1,000 per political action committee, checks made payable to Charlie Dent For Congress.

Ho ho ho!