The Wall Street Journal reports today that "big corporations and their lobbyists have flocked to" Boston "and found ways to hit home runs with the elected officials and powerful political figures gathered here. They are doing so both by hosting receptions, dinners and baseball outings, and by helping underwrite the costs of the convention itself." Much of the "social activity" falls "into the category of corporations trying to make friends in powerful places." The Hill adds that corporations have been "spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to underwrite parties and perks for delegates, lawmakers, and journalists. Almost all of these companies have big stakes in business pending on Capitol Hill, but they have been shy about trumpeting their sponsorship of events that fete the lawmakers and staffers whose decisions could affect millions of dollars of future business." USA Today editorializes this morning that "until taxpayers finance campaigns and conventions themselves, it's a safe bet that interests seeking favors will fill the gap.The public will still pay. Just a higher price."

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