Let’s say you’re a Senator and you’re at Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis. You’re with Nasser Kazeminy, a big donor to the GOP and to your campaign. He’s going to be paying for your “lavish clothing purchases” today.
The Standing Rules of the Senate regarding gifts indicates that:
No Member, officer, or employee may accept a gift the value of which exceeds $250 on the basis of the personal friendship exception in subparagraph (c)(4) unless the Select Committee on Ethics issues a written determination that such exception applies.
So here you are, on a shopping spree at Neiman Marcus with a wealthy businessman and donor. He needs to spend less than $250 on you so your campaign manager doesn’t have to make a complete fool out of himself when asked about it. What do you get?
Here’s a couple links to get you started: Suits & Sportcoats, Knitwear & Sweaters, Men’s Jewlery, Shoes.
Remember to go “lavish” but don’t go over $250! Write what you find in the comments.
I could almost afford one cufflink if I got the cheapest set, But they would have to give me 25% off also. This is ridiculous!
a tie for $195
I went with the Zegna Sport Cashmere Zip Turtleneck.
That leaves me looking Conservative and hip with a cool $5 for a small smoothie at City Center.
Would it be out-of-line to suggest ol’ Smokescreen made purchases from this department? Who knows what a Senator might wear, when the folk from the office next door are gone for the day?
Not that I’d suggest that - not me…..but, would it be out-of-line to suggest that?
May I suggest that the Good Hobo Senator is smart enough to have the credit card slips be a bunch of $249 charges and well, it just might fly. Or he is just purchasing his Underoos that way…
Aaron - nice plug on Kos. Well deserved!
MBB must be losing his mind!
I didn’t find anything for Norm. Norm has enough douchey looking clothing. But I did find myself a really cute dress and cardigan combo!
Since Coleman needs help buying clothes why don’t Franken supporters start bringing him old suits? Go buy an old suit at Good Will for 3 bucks and take it to a Coleman rally or to one of his campaign offices.
I bet it would get some press if a couple hundred people showed up at a Coleman rally with suits on hangers labeled “Clothes For Poor Coleman”. Start up a Coleman Wardrobe Relief movement.
We all know Norm is rather vain about his hair so I would submit that he probably picked up a few little goodies in that department and we know Norm loves to travel and probably is rather vain about his passport so he’d need that nifty little leather passport holder. Then, there’s always a nice Emilio Zegna scarf. Of course, he’d have to make several purchases to keep everything under $250 at a pop but I’m sure Norm could give it the old college try.
How about one Prada loafer, or a pair of designer jeans? Norm likes his shoes and jeans.
Spend $250? Save it. You’ll need it to pay taxes after Nov. 4.
(My website does not really apply here- not the right subject) — - I just wanted to say GREAT blog and what an awesome story to break. Norm already has a rep for having the hand out but this should put a nail in that coffin.
Congrats on the DailyKos link and thatis how I found you.
Don’t worry, DtM. Maverick McCain and joeboy will save you with their senate douchebaggery.
Kazeminy was also a big donor to the Nader 2000 campaign, according to FEC records…
either way, norm is a classy dresser. good post aaron way to keep it fresh….
I don’t blame Norm for wanting to dress for success and try to fit in with rich senators and lobbyists. It must be hard to keep up while supporting three households (DC, MN, CA) on modest income( < $200,000?) The broken record non-answer from his spokeperson makes Coleman appear very guilty of wrongdoing (including lying), however. If he is found guilty of violating gift ban what are the consequences? His now even more likely election loss seems logical and sufficient to me.
DtM will have to take it up with the guys who were DE-regulators by ideology.
Those BAILOUT CEOs might buy him something.
A suit versus a stage costume…
What’s the problem, Dtm? Under President Obama, if you make more than $250,000 annually, you’ll pay no more federal taxes than you did under Saint Ronnie.
Or has the GOP rewritten history on him too the way they have to show they’ve always embraced their “Maverick?”
I think it’s time Minnesota democrats get to co-opt one the cruellest taunts I’ve ever heard and use it about the McCain campaign: He’s dead. Get over it.
Where’s the obligatory Brodkorb comment calling you a small, petty liar, Aaron?
I still stand by my socks comment. They do have a cashmere 2-fer, so for $250 he could even get four pairs in all. Gee, what a deal!
HE STILL LOOKS CHEAP
you might as well go to a different store 250$ at neiman marcus is a tie maybe.
you might as well go to a different store 250$ at neiman marcus is a tie maybe.