Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse leaves fundraising/Disclose Act debate to attend fundraiser that won’t be covered by the Act

Senate campaigner-in-chief for transparency, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D) couldn't even hang around for the full dog and pony show Dems are conducting in an effort to hamstring the GOP with the Disclose Act.

He had to demonstrate his hypocrisy, instead. Whitehouse toddled over for a cushy fundraiser in the middle of the stage show to saddle up to some money guys who won't be covered by the Democrat's initiative. Evidently the Democrats great push to get the money out of politics equates to a for thee, but not for me deal. Is anyone really surprised?

The Senate Democrat leading the push for greater transparency in campaign donations to outside organizations slipped out of a highly orchestrated floor event Monday – to attend a fundraiser for an outside organization.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, the lead sponsor on the Disclose Act – which would force outside political organizations to disclose donations of more than $10,000 – briefly left a "midnight vigil" on the Senate floor to attend a fundraiser for a health care reform group.

Because of its status as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Alliance is not required to disclose donors. But unlike political 501(c)4 organizations, it does not appear to be covered by Whitehouse’s bill, which targets SuperPACs and other outside organization engaged in direct political activity.