The More Things Change...

Discussing the issue of congressional travel on "Meet the Press" a couple of Sundays ago, newly-minted Maj Leader John Boehner defended his lavish travels by observing that "these industry meetings occur in nice places." True enough, but it is not just industry that is holding its meetings in "nice places."

A week after the House GOP gathered for their retreat on the lovely, if chilly, banks of MD's Eastern Shore, the NRCC heads for warmer climes to hold their annual winter meeting this weekend.

Offering "accommodations of uncommon beauty and style," The Phoenician in, you guessed it, suburban Phoenix, AZ will play host to Leader Boehner, NRCC chair Tom Reynolds, Financial Services chair Mike Oxley (OH), Ways & Means chair-in-waiting Jim McCrery (LA) and NRCC chair aspirants, Rep's Phil English (PA) and Tom Cole (OK).

Also escaping Washington's winter weather will be those NRCC donors that have maxed out or will soon max out, according to NRCC spokesperson Carl Forti. The confab is less a fundraiser and more of a "thank you" to those PACs that have given their $15K to the cmte, says Forti. It will feature "discussions on current legislative, policy and political issues in a relaxed setting," per the NRCC website.

And Leader Boehner, who we are told will use campaign funds to cover the cost of the trip, will be happy to hear that this "relaxed setting" offers guests the chance to "indulge in the pure joy of golf on the manicured greens and lush fairways" of their "27-hole championship course."

If AZ is too far a haul, don't worry, there will be plenty of GOP members to rub shoulders with this weekend at the Club for Growth's own Winter Conference at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Aventura, FL. Located halfway between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach, the Turnberry offers its own "spectacular views, upscale amenities and personalized service" in their "ultra-luxurious oversized rooms" amid "300 tropical acres." And, yes, "two 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed" golf courses.

So what's the story here? Well, there is no story and that's sorta the point. One month after it seemed that reform was on the way and business was not going to be so usual anymore, members are doing what they have always done -- offering special interests special access in exchange for princely sums of money.

And, yes, Dems do it, too.