The "Pink Party": Did the McCain Campaign Pay $50,560 to Host It?

[blogslut]

Remember this?



From http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/MoneyTrail/story?id=5699123&page=1">ABC's Brian Ross:

Money Trail: What Hurricane? Lobbyists, GOP Party On

MINNEAPOLIS -- As residents of New Orleans were fleeing Hurricane Gustav, top Republican party officials donned pink boas and swigged vodka shots at a wild whirl of corporate and lobbyist-paid parties this weekend in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Many corporate sponsors and their lobbyists carried through with plans for lavish entertainment of GOP lawmakers and others despite calls from the campaign of Sen. John McCain that Republicans should tone down the convention festivities.

<snip>

More than a hundred people jammed a Minneapolis restaurant where waiters wore pink wigs and guests danced through the night as they wrapped themselves and their partners with pink boas.

<snip>

Asked about the appropriateness of the gathering, Republican National Committeeman Tony Parker walked away from ABC News cameras, saying, "I don't want to talk with you."

More about the "Pink Party" from the http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/style/27839194.html?page=2&c=y">Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

Few people visit more convention parties than Brian Ross. He just can't get through the front door. As ABC's chief investigative reporter, he has long targeted lobbyist bashes during his regular segment "The Money Trail," browbeating politicians who try to slip inside and smuggling in associates with hidden cameras. Ross said the wildest fete he'd seen this week (from the sidewalk, of course) was "The Pink Party" at Cafe Lurçat, where servers wore pink wigs and attendees pink boas (which some used to hide their faces when the camera came their way). Because of his reputation, Ross doesn't get on many invite lists. "I'm the loneliest guy in town," he said Wednesday in ABC's work tent, with Diane Sawyer and Sam Donaldson sitting in nearby folding chairs. "But no one has more fun not going to parties than me."

According to Ross' report, the "Pink Party" was held in honor of RNC CEO/COA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Cino">Maria Cino:



Why do I suspect that it was the McCain Campaign that sponsored and paid for this pink-themed extravaganza? FEC campaign reports. Specifically, the John McCain 2008 Inc. http://query.nictusa.com/pres/2008/M9/C00430470/B_PAYEE_C00430470.html">DISBURSEMENTS BY PAYEE report for the period covering 8/01/08-8/31/08. Read the report and you will find two payouts:




Visit the http://www.cafelurcat.com">Cafe Lurcat website and you'll see that the restaurant is owned by D'Amico & Partners. Another operation run by D'Amico & Partners is http://www.damicocatering.com">D'Amico Catering. Mind you, D'Amico also owns venues in Florida and their catering service covers a wide swath in both Minneapolis and Naples, Florida. However, $50,560 is a hell of a lot of money for even the most elaborate, intimate dinner party. $50,560 is big money. "Pink Party" big.

So the question begs, did the McCain campaign pay for this party? If so, why did they not cancel it while their own candidate was on television, asking RNC Convention attendees to "tone it down"? Why was is necessary for Maria Cino to be honored, excuse the pun, come hell or high water? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fciTrHP12wo">Here is video of Ms. Cino herself, stating:

"We had a wonderful, wonderful Monday (the night of the Pink Party) - very, very appropriate..."

Wonderful, indeed, Ms. Cino - thanks to John McCain?

[MrScorpio]

1. Ross is a hound dog

God bless him

[yourguide]

2. HOLY CRAP!

Get this to ABCs brian ross ASAP and post this up on KOS!

GREAT WORK!

[blogslut]

4. They ignore me @ KOS

But if anyone wants to post it there or send it to the appropriate press-type folks, be my guest. You can even take the credit. I did my part. I spent a lot of time researching this. From my Googlings, I learned that the designated RNC Hotel was the Hyatt - located a mile away from Cafe Lurcat. The McCain's may have stayed at the St Paul hotel - 10 miles away from the restaurant. Cindy McCain did appear at a ONE Campaign (a music industry charity) function but it held during the daytime and that the ONE Campaign held another function @ Cafe Lurcat, but it was also held during the daytime.

Regardless, the FEC report is for the period of 08/01/08 through 08/31/08. In other words, the two payments were made before the first day of the RNC Convention. The first day of the RNC Convention was September 1st - a Monday - the same day as the night of the notorious "Pink Party".

Needless to say, I'm a bit worn out. :hi:

[progressivebydesign]

3. K&R!! Scandolous! And rather.. umm.. kinky. WTF with the pink wigs on the male waiters? n/t

[NYC_SKP]

5. I heard that Hannity's ass is still sore from that party...

But he kept a pink boa to remind him of the good time and got an autographed picture of "Hookers and Blow".

[blogslut]

6. LOL

Although, I'm pretty sure that the band, Hookers and Blow, played at a different function. The one sponsored by lobbyists from Lockheed Martin n' Pals.

[NYC_SKP]

7. Then the poster thing must be a rumor...

The pink boa part must be true....

:hi:

[blogslut]

8. What poster thing?

If you'll watch the ABC video closely, you'll see that the "Pink Party" and the lobbyist party (where Hookers and Blow played) were held at different venues. You have to watch closely because Ross doesn't make the distinction very clear.

[NYC_SKP]

9. In my "Hannity's Ass" comment, (I made it up)

"and got an autographed picture of "Hookers and Blow"....

I stand by Hannity's Ass!

EDIT: I stand by the rumor, not the actual ass.

[blogslut]

10. Oh, I get it

Well, if you want to stand by Hannity's ass, that's your business. Me, I can't tell the difference between his ass and his face, so I'll just stand next to Alan. :evilgrin: :silly: :rofl:

[NYC_SKP]

11. LOL...

Oh god, turtle face Alan Colmes, what a pair...

[blogslut]

12. kick

for the boas

[blogslut]

13. kick

for the monday