Lawmakers using recess for fundraising

Lawmakers may not be in Washington this week, but that isn’t stopping them from fighting for their seats.

There are multiple fundraisers scheduled for the coming week — including for the vulnerable Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.).

Landrieu is facing a tough battle against Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), but so far she’s winning the war-chest race, taking in nearly $9.5 million through the end of last year, according to the most recently filed forms available from the Federal Election Commission.

{mosads}Cassidy raised more than $5.1 million during the same period.

One of the newer members of the Senate, Democratic Sen. Corey Booker (N.J.), will be throwing a happy hour in Los Angeles on Thursday in hopes of padding his reelection campaign’s account.

Booker Senate Victory, a joint fundraising committee with the New Jersey Democratic Party, raised nearly $1.2 million in the first three months of this year, according to FEC filings.

Republican Sens. John McCain (Ariz.) and Pat Toomey (Pa.) are among the other lawmakers throwing events next week.

Democratic and Republican party committees are also slated to be active during the congressional recess.

The Carroll County Republican Committee in New Hampshire is having its Annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday, featuring an appearance by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Tickets are $60 each for the dinner, but attendees that want a “personal meet and greet” with Cruz can buy VIP tickets for $100.

The Michigan Democratic Party is also having a fundraiser next Saturday, which will be hosted by former President Clinton.