You too can buy influence...

Convention Party Favors Include Face Time

Congress just completed ethics legislation designed to put distance between lawmakers and the interests that seek favors from them.

But the people in charge of next summer's presidential nominating conventions are busy selling package deals that would put them closer together.

The host committees of 2008's biggest political gatherings are soliciting corporations, wealthy individuals and others with a lot at stake in government decisions for seven-figure payments. In exchange, the givers receive all sorts of goodies, including access to lawmakers and other politicians. The more money the donors spend, the more access they get.