Republicans Target Democratic Fundraising

The Republican-controlled House didn't waste any time in targeting Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, the incoming Democratic National Committee chairman, and his colleagues in the General Assembly.

The House Privileges and Elections Committee voted 12 to 8, along partisian lines, to send a bill that would ban lawmakers or statewide officials from attending fundraising events sponsored by a political party, lobbyist or campaign contributors during the legislative session.

"People should know money does not influence our business,'' said Del. Christopher B. Saxman (R-Staunton), who introduced the bill.

In recent weeks, Republicans criticized Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), who they say is violating current state law by raising money Monday during in the second week of the legislative session.

Kaine, along with Sen. James Webb (D-Va.) and Sen.-elect Mark R. Warner (D), are hosting a Virginia inaugural ball Monday at the Westin Arlington Gateway.

The black-tie event, which sold-out in hours, is a fundraiser for the Virginia Democratic Party and the Arlington Democratic Party. Tickets are $200 but donors can be listed as sponsors for a $10,000 contribution.

The full House may consider the bill as soon as Tuesday, the same day as President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration. The Senate is expected to kill it.

If the bill did pass, it would not go into effect until July 1 and would not impact Monday's event.

Under Virginia law, state office holders and the members of the General Assembly are barred from raising money during the regularly scheduled legislative session. The new proposal would prevent them from even attending such events.