Washington winters can be so bleak. What better time for a Congressman to blow town for some sunny clime or a ski vacation — and take a few friends with them.

There was a time when your Hired Hands on the Hill and other politicians took a junket on a lobbyist's dime. Now the politicians are planning for the getaway — and charging lobbyists a campaign contribution to tag along.

Lobbyist Tony Podesta tells the Baltimore Sun, "It's more quality time."

That quality time comes with a price for lobbyists. Sen Gordon Smith (R-OR) sent out invites for a $5,000 a ticket golf tournament.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee opted for the sun instead of ski slopes. They've already had a Miami Beach weekend retreat.

Here are some more prices & places the Baltimore Sun found:

--Rep Don Young (R-AK), $5,000 for a Miami reception
--Rep Adam Putnam (R-FL), $2,500 for golf, fishing, & dinner in Boca Grande, Florida
--Sen Mike Crapo (R-ID) had a $2,500 a ticket "ski fest" at Sun Valley
--Sen Craig Thomas (R-WY) $1,000 for a ski trip in Jackson Hole
--Rep Ben Chandler (D-KY), $250 and up for an evening of watching Kentucky basketball from Washington

Like I said, it comes with a price for lobbyists. It also comes with a price for taxpayers and voters. We take a back seat while special interests bend the ears of politicians who'll decide where our money's spent.

Oh, you can lobby them, too. But who do you think they're most likely to listen to — someone spending 37-cents for a stamp to write their Congressman — or the guy who shelled out a grand for his re-election?

And with Congress out of session this week, expect Representatives and Senators to be listening to those special interests — and away from your annoying letters and phone calls.

[Crossposted at Watching Washington]