Herewith, LobbyBlog's three favorite political fundraisers happening this week:
ANYTHING FIR CASH At noon on Tuesday, Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine) has scheduled a holiday-themed fundraiser where contributors receive various-sized wreaths from Maine fir trees, according to an invitation received by the nonpartisan Sunlight Foundation. A $500 contribution to the Congressman's campaign will be rewarded with a 22" Balsam fir wreath, but paying up to $2,000 yields one four inches larger. Will Michaud have to skip out on a 10 am hearing for the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit about the government's role in public transit safety?
CHECKS FOR CHILES Rep. Harry Teague (D-N.M.) is set to host a Chile Sauce Tasting Fundraiser Tuesday evening at a Capitol Hill townhouse. At up to $2,500 to get in, this stuff better be hot. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) is scheduled to attend as a "Special Guest."
MULTIPLICITY Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) is scheduled for a twofer on Thursday: breakfast with "Special Guest" Barney Frank at a Capitol Hill townhouse in the morning, and a Wizards-Celtics basketball game at night. Cost of attendance at each event is a campaign contribution ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Rep. Connolly also has two different committee obligations that morning -- an Oversight and Government Reform business meeting and a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. Big day for Connolly!