Lobbyists for some of the industries most often blasted by Democrats—oil, big tobacco, banks—made up a good chunk of the guest list at a Miami retreat featuring a dozen Senate Democrats. A $30,000 contribution to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is typical, reports Politico, which scored a copy of the guest list; among the senators in attendance were Robert Menendez (NJ), Carl Levin (Mich.), Claire McCaskill (Mo.) and Bernie Sanders, a nominal independent from Vermont.
Attendees had access to the lawmakers at “informal” mixers Friday and Saturday, plus receptions, briefings and dinners both nights.
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