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WASHINGTON D.C. -- They haven't been sworn in yet but some freshmen House members are already being accused of having their hands out for money.
A dozen incoming Republicans held a fundraiser at the swanky W Hotel in Washington Tuseday before they take their oath on Wednesday.
Country singer LeAnn Rimes is listed as the featured entertainer for the 25-hundred dollar per ticket event. Freshman Congressman Jeff Denham defends the glitzy fundraiser and answers a question about his top legislative priority.
"Have you heard LeAnn Rimes? Country music is great. I think country music is all American and I think the event itself is a great event for our freshman class," said Denham. "Again, we, you know campaigns are expensive, we're going to raise money."
Denham continued, "I think the first legislative priority for everybody is to cut spending. We have to reduce our debt. And that's something that all conservatives are going to be focused on."
VIP guests spent up to $50,000 for a suite and a book of 8 tickets. GOP leaders said they wanted to avoid the same spectacles that drew fire against the Democrats when they took power.
E-mail: aadams@ksl.com
