Backers say it assures public can attend.
The reliance on private contributions marks a return to the way inaugurations were financed until four years ago, when the bulk of the costs was covered by sales of tickets to the gala, balls and parade. Watchdog groups said financing the celebration primarily through ticket sales would have posed less concern than covering costs with a small number of hefty donations. The investment pays off in terms of access and influence. It's just a way to cozy up to the new administration. But Vande Beek dismissed concerns about the influence of special interests.