The Hill News

Usually the news that a Member of Congress is seeking $30 contributions would be received as good news â€" evidence that there is a role for average Americans in the multi-million dollar campaign game.  But last week’s debacle involving, Members skipping their own swearing in and fundraising in the United States Capitol reflects horribly on the institution.  The situation highlights the poisoned atmosphere in Washington where for all too many Members the never-ending campaign threatens to trump their constitutional role of legislating.  

Unfortunately for Rep. Mike Fitzgerald (R-PA), the fundraising scheme that he and his team put together, highlighted by a party in the Capitol to celebrate his swearing-in, has landed him in hot water.  Turns out that the invite to the event clearly asked for a contribution to Fitzpatrick’s campaign committee.  Fundraising in the Capitol complex is a big no-no, prohibited by both laws and House rules.  The law allow! s Members to hold swearing-in receptions in House offices, paid for by campaign contributions, but not fundraisers.

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