When I was a first-grader in 1974 at J.C. Wood Elementary in Fairfax City, I wrote an editorial to my school newspaper opining that kings and queens should be abolished and the money spent on them should be used for parks and libraries.  Thirty-six years later, I stand by every word I said.  But nothing has changed. 

A young person's instincts are usually correct.  But traditions are hard to break down.

When I was a freshman House member in 2002, I objected to the fact that the Democratic Caucus held its annual meeting at the Homestead.  First, while the Homestead is beautiful, it isn't a precise fit (to put it mildly) with the Democratic brand which is giving a voice to working people.  Second, we weren't in the majority and, therefore, it seemed presumptuous to invite donors and supporters to such a meeting. 

I made that point to whomever would listen (a small group to be sure) and the motion went nowhere.  I've raised it a couple times since and the response was the same. 

This week, the Joint Democratic Caucus, House and Senate, again held its annual meeting at the Homestead, a tradition dating back to 1988.  (The Republicans held their own Joint Caucus at the Homestead earlier this year).  This year's event got some modest publicity on the Post Virginia politics website and some targeted criticism on the liberal blogs. 

Since I stand by my earlier position and thus largely agree with the criticisms, I won't bother with a long-winded defense.  Having said that, the Joint Caucus meeting at the Homestead is not really remarkable -- there are several Caucus events which are held to raise money and give exclusive access to donors.  With those funds, the Caucus is able to support candidates (i.e. challengers) that need the institutional help. I should know, as I received nearly $500,000 in Caucus and DPVA funding in 2007. 

The events themselves are pretty mundane.  After Caucus meetings on Monday afternoon, there is a cocktail party that evening with all the guests.  Most are lobbyists or trade representatives that work regularly in Richmond.  We see them throughout the year and they call on us when they have a client issue.  Nothing new there.  The only benefit for me was that my wife Sharon could join me Monday night which was great. 

On Tuesday morning, there was a golf tournament and a skeet shooting contest.  Although I was signed up for the former, I took part in the latter (my mix-up and my mistake) with a small group.  There was no business transacted unless you count blasting away at orange "birds" flying through the woods of Bath County.

Tuesday afternoon I spent the whole time at the hotel Business Center doing legal work.  No fun there.

Tuesday night was another cocktail party followed by dinner.  Without using names, I sat next to a spokesman for domestic power producers on one side and the legislative director for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (Teamsters) on the other side.  I already knew both of them.  We spent most the time talking about baseball and music. 

Wednesday morning I went for a run in the mountains around the Homestead.   I had a quick breakfast in the dining room where I sat with the Teamsters rep (he was wearing a tee shirt that read "Keith Richards for President"). 

Afterwards, I caught a ride home with my law partner, Delegate Scott Surovell.  No checks requested or received.  The two-day stay cost me about $1K. 

Here's the larger point ....

A lot of folks criticize Virginia for having laws that permit unlimited donations, both personal and corporate.  I agree with the criticisms and have sponsored legislation to cap "super-size" donations.  I'll do so again in 2011.  Until that law changes, I'll continue to raise money and attend events for myself and the Caucus under the existing laws.  Mom didn't raise an idiot. 

Some day, a new regime will come along and there will be a change in this state in terms of corporate access or influence. It doesn't mean that the current way is corrupt or illegal.  It's neither.  But there will be a change.