BEN EVANS
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON – A senator with a lead role in cleaning up Wall Street has renounced his fundraiser’s attempt to set up $10,000-per-head meals with the senator for business leaders in New York and Chicago.
Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee said it looked bad when a campaign consultant offered the business leaders a meal with him in exchange for contributions.
“The appearance of it, especially with my profile right now, just wasn’t something that felt very becoming,” he said Thursday. “I just don’t want to be perceived as someone who that’s what it takes to talk to me.”
Corker is a negotiator on the financial overhaul being debated in Congress following the spectacular failures on Wall Street recently that led to massive government bailouts.
While such fundraisers are a routine part of congressional life, Corker said the one from his consultant was unusually direct and inappropriate. The letter, which also offered smaller meetings for $5,000, was originally reported by Politico.
“During the Easter recess, Senator Corker will be in Chicago and New York and we have a few openings in the schedule. Please let us know if you have any members or clients who might be able to fill the open times with a small fundraising opportunity,” read the letter, sent through e-mail to lobbyists and industry representatives.
“We are hoping for $10,000 for meal events or $5,000 for small meetings. Let me know as soon as possible if you can assist us in filling our calendar,” the letter read.
Corker said his trips next month to New York and Chicago are part of broader fundraising efforts for Senate Republicans’ campaign arm. He said he will meet with various industry groups but that he would cancel events set up through his campaign’s solicitation because “it just wasn’t us.”