Scalpers

In Congress, selling Sox-Nationals tickets at a hefty markup. Oh yeah, the tickets come with the access that lobbyists crave.

When the Boston Red Sox come to Washington next week for a three-game interleague series, they’ll bring one of baseball’s best records and an impassioned Northeastern fan base. They’ll also bring in a major league cash haul for members of Congress.

More than a dozen lawmakers — including seven from Massachusetts and its neighboring states (aka Red Sox Nation) — have scheduled fundraisers at Nationals Park when the Sox come to town to play the cellar-dwelling Washington Nationals.

For between $1,500 and $5,000, lobbyists and political action committee managers can take in a game and a beer with a powerful lawmaker who controls the fate of legislation they’re paid to sway.

Donors who give $5,000 to Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) get two tickets to the game, plus the chance to watch batting practice from the exclusive President’s Club seating area beforehand, according to his invitation. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) says donors will enjoy a pregame “dinner reception at the President’s Club, then enjoy the game in the best seats in the house — behind home plate!”

Langevin — a big Sox fan, according to his spokeswoman, Joy Fox — quickly sold out 50 tickets for between $1,500 and $2,500 a pop. Not a bad markup, when you consider the face value was $200 each.

Seriously, why don't you whores just put on some fishnets and stroll the streets and get it over with?