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Fundraisers boom as reforms loom 

On this weekend round of golf at the Candelero Resort at Palmas del Mar, which advertises its oceanfront links as the most breathtaking in the Caribbean, the congressman has no caddy. Instead he is joined by lobbyists from businesses such as Philip Morris and Reliant Energy, who write four- or five-digit checks for the chance to tag along for 18 holes, an official portrait and four hours of face time with some of the most influential politicians in Washington.

Rep. Tom DeLay, the Texas Republican who as House majority whip is one of the most powerful politicians on Capitol Hill, was host for two days of golf, sightseeing and sport fishing for tuna and blue marlin on Puerto Rico's southeastern coast. Because of weekends like these, DeLay sits at the top tier of the most aggressive and successful fundraisers in politics. . .

Chef Daniel, who runs the neighborhood's French restaurant, catered the Saturday evening soiree, where guests dined outside on tables draped in long white linens. U.S. Tobacco provided the cigars and wine. And the Bacardi rum company furnished liquor and hats.

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