The Money Trail: Putting on the Ritz, VIP Treatment for Big Money Democrats

While its elected officials say it is the party of "the working people," Democrats are quietly running an elaborate VIP program that rewards wealthy contributors with luxury perks and insider access at the Denver convention, part of what the party calls a "business plan."

Wealthy members of the "Pelosi 100" attend a private, lavish party Monday night in the penthouse suite of the Denver Performing Arts Center, featuring Tony Bennett, John Legend and James Taylor.

(ABC News)
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Republicans run a similar program for their top donors and the Democrats seem to have learned from it.

"You have helped us put in the business plan for winning elections," Democratic party chairman Howard Dean told donors at a private party this week, attended by an ABC News reporter.

"Without your money none of this happens," Dean said.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) created the "Pelosi 100" for people "who contribute and raise $100,000 in personal funds," according to documents obtained by ABC News.

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The wealthy members of the "Pelosi 100" attended a private, lavish party Monday night in the penthouse suite of the Denver Performing Arts Center, featuring Tony Bennett, John Legend and James Taylor.

There was a heavy security presence with police telling reporters "no media is allowed," although observers on the balcony of a nearby apartment building could view the scene.

Also included in the $100,000 Pelosi package was "preferred booking" at a top downtown Denver hotel, four convention hall credentials and access to luxury sky boxes overlooking the convention floor.

Last night, the wealthy donors in the sky box watched as Sen. Hillary Clinton praised Barack Obama for knowing "the government must be about we the people, not we the favored few."

The favored few in the Democratic Finance Committee skybox were treated to an open bar and food in silver chafing dishes.

Delegates outside the closed curtain of the sky box stood in line for $7 hot dogs and were not permitted to bring food to their seats at the Pepsi Center.