Political blind dates

A lot has been written about special interests getting in bed with the state legislature, figuratively speaking. Now a group of prominent women Democrats from San Diego has raised the bar with a “speed dating” event designed to put big donors face-to-face, in person with their potential political beneficiaries.

“This speed dating format will give us a chance to talk with you personally, share our experiences and answer your questions,” ex–state senator Christine Kehoe is quoted as saying on the email invite. Others scheduled to attend included ex–state senator Dede Alpert, current senator Toni Atkins, and assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez.

The politicians didn’t go dutch at the event last Saturday, January, 25; the tab for would-be dating sponsors started at the Bronze level of two tickets for $1000, up to the Gold level of six tickets for $3000. And what would a date night be without some well-heeled corporate sponsors in the back seat? They included SDG&E, AT&T, Bridgepoint Education, San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, California Apartment Association, and Encore Capital.