Va. lawmakers race to raise funds before session

General Assembly members are prohibited by law from raising money while the legislature is in session, but that didn't stop them from raising money right up to the brink.

No less than nine fundraising events were held today on the eve of the session, which begins tomorrow.

Twenty-nine others were held in the preceding eight days, according to a political events calendar compiled by Richmond lobbyist David Bailey.

Today, state Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple of Arlington, chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, were hosts at a breakfast at the Colony Club. The ticket price? Up to $12,500.

Republican Speaker of the House William H. Howell of Stafford and members of the House Republican Caucus were asking up to $10,000 for an evening reception at the Jefferson Hotel.

The lobbyists who frequent such gatherings didn't have to skip lunch either. Del. David Englin, D-Alexandria, was sponsoring a luncheon at the Peking Pavilion yesterday, with the tab ranging from $500 to $1,500.

The Joint Democratic Caucus is having a reception at the Omni Richmond tonight. The Republican Caucus held a reception and luncheon at the Jefferson Hotel, with the tab up to $5,000.

Legislators will use the money for upcoming campaigns. Senators are not due for re-election until 2011. House of Delegates members are up this fall.

Individual legislators held receptions during the past week.

Bailey, who represents a number of nonprofit organizations, said he has published the list for the last few years as a public service.

The events "are an opportunity to take a client and interact with the legislators," he said. "I just attended an event and we met with 12 or 15 people over coffee and doughnuts."

While undergoing a hiatus during the 46-day session, the events will resume as soon as the session ends.

"People are ready to hit the send button on e-mails as soon as it is over," Bailey said.

Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or .