Polemic luncheon

In its most direct attack on Hillary Rodham Clinton, the campaign of Democratic presidential contender John Edwards denounced a fundraising luncheon that included sessions for Clinton donors with members of Congress who have expertise in homeland security. Edwards and Barack Obama have declined money from individuals who lobby the federal government and have tried to portray Clinton, who does accept lobbyists' money, as beholden to special interests. Obama and Edwards do accept money from corporate executives whose industries have interests in government policies.

The Clinton fundraiser was held in the Washington offices of Jones Day, a global law firm with more than 2,200 lawyers in 30 offices worldwide. Among those scheduled to attend were House members who are backing Clinton and sit on the House Homeland Security Committee. Some of the luncheon chairs and members of the host committee have been lobbyists for a wide range of business interests. The luncheon would be followed by issues breakout sessions. Donors attending the luncheon had to pay $1,000 or $2,300.