• Politico, Thursday, October 7, 2010 1:07 PM

Forget Iowa and New Hampshire. Political heavyweights had better book a flight to Silicon Valley if they want to keep their seats in power. At least according to Politico, "A trek to Silicon Valley has become a must-do for D.C. lawmakers seeking to stress their business and tech bona fides while developing relationships that could lead to big campaign donations down the road." According to Politico, six Democratic senators joined the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for a recent fundraiser featuring Google and Facebook.

On the other side of the aisle, Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee, led by ranking member Dave Camp of Michigan, pow-wowed in the valley this year, while Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), chairman of the GOP's High-Tech Working Group and co-chairman of the Congressional Internet Caucus, is a regular visitor. According to Politico, "Silicon Valley types typically don't mind hosting lawmakers, as the trips give businesses out West the chance to put issues and needs on the minds of their regulators." Unfortunately, politicians typically want something in return for their time and consideration -- treating the valley "as an endless ATM."

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