Burr named D.C.’s top party animal

The Sunlight Foundation, a nonpartisan group that works for transparency in government, has just unveiled their list of the “Top Congressional Partiers” for 2009. We’re so very proud to announce that North Carolina’s own Sen. Richard Burr was named Washington’s top party animal. What it means is that Burr held more parties and fundraisers with lobbyists and D.C. insiders — 35 in all — than any other member of Congress. It’s heartening to know that one of our two senators is getting involved in the real business of national government, i.e., sucking up to lobbyists and raking in the dough while he’s got the chance.  Look for this award, and Burr’s cozy relationship with lobbyists, to be a big issue in his 2010 re-election campaign.

Deliver Us From Weasels, a collection of articles and columns by John Grooms, is available at Borders-Morrocroft, Park Road Books, Paper Skyscraper, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, and Literary Bookpost in Salisbury, or directly from the publisher at www.mainstreetrag.com/store/NewReleases.php.

This article appears in Dec 22-28, 2009.