Money Pours In for Festivities - Big-Money Contributors Line Up for Inauguration

washingtonpost.com ^ | Thursday, January 13, 2005 | Thomas B. Edsall and Jeffrey H. Birnbaum

[crushelits]

Big-Money Contributors Line Up for Inauguration

President Bush wants to lower barriers to building nuclear power plants, and the lobby that promotes nuclear energy could not be happier. To show its thanks, the group has given $100,000 to help pay for his inauguration. "He's a big supporter," said John E. Kane, chief lobbyist for the Nuclear Energy Institute. "Our donation is just a small way of supporting him."

The nuclear energy industry's contribution is part of a record-breaking outpouring of corporate cash to next week's inaugural festivities. At least 88 companies and trade associations, along with 39 CEOs and top executives -- all with huge stakes in administration policies -- already have donated $18 million toward a $40 million goal for the country's 55th inaugural celebration.

Wall Street investment firms seeking to profit from private Social Security accounts; oil, gas and mining companies pushing the White House to revive a stalled energy-subsidy bill; and hotels and casinos seeking an influx of immigrant labor are among the 44 interests that have each given $250,000 and the 66 that have donated $100,000 to $225,000. And the money keeps pouring in.

Inauguration Street Closings

The closures and restrictions above will take effect after rush hour next Wednesday and continue through the next day's inaugural events. Restrictions will be gradually phased out after Thursday's parade, which is scheduled to end at 4:30 p.m.

[Larry381]

Memo:To The Wash Pustule:

If Jean Francois were elected the same crap would be happening except the big donors would be trial lawyers, abortion providers, the Stripper's union, the porn industry and probably Al Quida, so get over it and find some real news.

[carumba]

I have been camped out by the mail box, and the invitation hasn't arrived. Could it be that it got misplaced somewhere?