Washington Mardi Gras: Work or Play?

Washington Mardi Gras has come and gone, and it’s time to ask the perennial question: Is the whole thing a critical networking opportunity for elected officials and business and civic leaders, or just a big lobbyist-funded party?

Apparently the jury is still out. Stephanie Grace gives a good read of just what goes on up there, and asks the $7,500 question: Why all the secrecy about who pays for the good times?

But even if some naysayers frown on the fun, attendees certainly seem to get their money’s worth out of the event. Like Tulane University President Scott Cowen, who notes that he can get a year’s worth of work done in 24 hours. Who knew it was that easy? Then there is Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel, who is apparently tired of meeting with uptight people in suits. But cut him some slack - he is the busiest man in Lafayette, after all.

In the end, veteran political journalist Charlie Cook perhaps best summed up the reality of the event.

You can’t sanitize everything. Lobbyists pay for most things in Washington, why should the Washington Mardi Gras be any different?

In the interest of full disclosure, Cook’s daughter was a WMG Princess a few years ago. Laissez les bons temps rouler!