RISING STAR JAMES
Michigan Congressman John James (R-Shelby Township, Rochester, Warren, Macomb County) is being billed as a rising star in the U.S. House, so it comes as no surprise that Republicans from both that chamber and the Senate have been working hard to raise money from the Washington D.C. crowd in recent months to help out freshman James. First there was a Valentine’s Day lunch hosted by House Majority Leader Steven Scalise to raise funds for James’ campaign for an open seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee (which he got in mid March) at Charlie Palmer Steak, a familiar haunt when it comes to those attending fundraisers. A minimum $1,000 donation was the suggested lunch tab. James put out some slick promotion to House members, including literature noting his business and military experience along with some personal notes – a Christian and connoisseur of cigars, cabernet and college football. Then on March 6, Donald Trump, Jr. hosted a D.C. campaign event that cost anywhere from $1,000 to attend up to $10,000 to be a host. The event invite had a who’s who list of U.S. Representatives as sponsors, plus a list of about 10 Senators that included Tim Scott and Katie Britt – she of the recent GOP response to the State of the Union speech that has drawn a fair amount of criticism. No official word as of yet about how much campaign money was raised at either event.