So you think you can dance? State lawmakers star in a reality show all their own

It's fund-raising season in the legislature and reality shows can't hold a candle to the frenetic pace of parties and soirees and junkets about to take place in the Capitol. Our own Nancy Vogel gives a hint of things to come:

In just four days next week, at least 40 politicians and candidates are scheduled to hold fund-raisers, soliciting donations over cappuccino, carnitas and cocktails, at cafes, art galleries and restaurants. Most events are within a few blocks of the Capitol and require a minimum donation of $1,000 to attend.

Lobbyists -- whose clients' interests are on the line in the Legislature -- face so many opportunities to give to legislators' campaigns that some are plotting a schedule and mapping a route.

"You run from one to the other," said Craig Brown, a lobbyist who represents several law enforcement unions.

Millions of dollars in donations are at stake as an estimated 1,200 lobbyists mingle with the state's 120 legislators at a time that hundreds of bills go to a vote. Add in the fact the legislators have blown their budget deadline by more than a month (which has the Governator so steamed he's refusing to sign new bills) and it's no surprise that frustrated voters view this spree -- and their elected lawmakers -- with increasing skepticism.

Nancy's full story on the dollar dance is here.

-- Veronique de Turenne

Photo: Bloomberg News