Italian family-style restaurant Carmine’s in Penn Quarter might as well be campaign headquarters for Republican representatives, because it was a packed “house” on Wednesday night: Fundraisers were being held in every private room in the place.
Guests consisting mostly of lobbyists, politicos and Hill staffers poured out of the various money-making party rooms for the National Republican Congressional Committee, Florida Rep. John Mica, Kentucky Rep. Hal Rogers, California Rep. Duncan Hunter and even House Minority Leader John Boehner. The still very tan Ohio congressman, who looked sharp in a pale green tie, took time out of his own party (which was held in the large back room) to visit with folks and supporters at the NRCC soiree.
While conservatives chowed and chatted behind the half-opened doors of the reserved rooms, Yeas & Nays spotted Democratic South Dakota Rep. Stephanie Herseth with her husband, former Democratic Texas Rep. Max Sandlin, and their baby eating dinner in the main dining room. Pasta and politics … now, there’s some dish.
