At least 10 other state societies are holding their own celebrations in conjunction with President-elect Bush's inauguration Jan. 20. These affairs are in addition to the official balls sponsored by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. In many cases, corporations are helping pick up the check. California is relying on help from defense giants Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Rick Meyers, co-chairman of the Texas ball, said the business donations are merely an effort to help a bipartisan organization pay for its events.
Watchdog groups see it differently.
They can do it by writing a check. They know it and everyone in Washington knows it. Texas isn't alone in its search for corporate largesse. The Illinois State Society offered different levels of sponsorship for its Jan. 19 inaugural gala. California's Jan. 18 inaugural luncheon, featuring a fashion show from the Los Angeles area's Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, is being sponsored by the same corporations that regularly host the state society's activities.