ELIAN TAKEN TO TOP DEMOCRATIC FUNDRAISER'S HOUSE; 'NO MONEY CHANGED HANDS'

DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUNDAY MAY 07 2000 09:21:10 ET

As Attorney General Janet Reno received an Ellis Island medal last night, little Elian Gonzalez was taken under police escort to have dinner at the home of major Democratic party fundraisers.

Elian, and his father, were entertained for more than four hours Saturday night at the Georgetown home of Smith and Elizabeth Bagley, who are top Democratic donors. The Gonzalez's reportedly dined on smoked salmon, shrimp and fruit in the Bagleys' atrium. The home features grand marble pillars, tile floors, an exercise room and indoor pool.

For their party patronage, The Bagleys, who have been major contributors to President Clinton defense fund, have been rewarded with frequent guest invites at official White House dinners, including the White House Millennium Dinner last New Year's Eve and a state dinner for the king of Spain a few months ago.

Bagley is an heir to North Carolina's Reynolds tobacco fortune.

Gregory Craig, attorney for Elian's father, approved the Gonzalez visit to the Bagley residence. But a source close to the famed attorney bristled at the notion that the boy was being used as a fundraising tool.

"Of course it was not a fundraising event," said a source close to Craig. "Not one dollar changed hands. It was an opportunity for Mr. Gonzalez to meet some of the city's most prominent citizens. It was a party for the little boy... balloons and cake."

The Bagleys hosted Bill and Hillary Clinton last summer at their Nantucket home, an event that raised more than $200,000 for the Democratic Party.

In 1997 the duo hosted the president in their Georgetown spread and raised more than $250,000 for the DNC.

Just last month, mega-donor Elizabeth Bagley was toasted by Terry McAuliffe, President Clinton's money maestro, for her involvement in an upcoming fundraising blowout, an all-star concert party officials hope will go down as the biggest political fundraiser ever.

-- Uncle Bob (unclb0b@aol.com), May 07, 2000

Answers

Unc-

Thanks for letting us know what KOS has been up to lately. Who knew he was so important? Wonder if he asked Elizabeth Bagley to mudwrestle???

-- Aunt Bee (SheriffAndy@Mayberry.com), May 07, 2000.

No one else finds this picture upsetting?

-- Debra (??@??.com), May 07, 2000.

Deb:

I do in a way. The child doesnt look to happy to be there. I sure dont see any cake or ballons, just alot of democratic BS.

Looks to me like they are 'pushing' him into the door, guess I cant blame him, I wouldnt wanna be associated w/any Clinton supporters either.

----they would be dragging my a$$ in there.

-- consumer (shh@aol.com), May 07, 2000.

Where's his papa??

>"<

-- (nuts@upina.cellrelaytower), May 07, 2000.

Flashbacks! Elians smiles and playfulness while with "the family" in Florida enjoying the cameras.

Any body language experts out there? What's Elian feeling in the above picture?

Those of you who thought it was right to remove Elian ... how do you view this picture? What do you think is going on? Where's dad? Why is he letting these men surround an obviously uncomfortable Elian?

-- Debra (??@??.com), May 07, 2000.

"...It was an opportunity for Mr. Gonzalez to meet some of the city's most prominent citizens..."

I don't know how Juan Miguel took it, but Elian looks suitably impressed. Will they be announcing "The Elian Tour" next?

-- I'm Here, I'm There (I'm Everywhere@so.beware), May 08, 2000.

Deb:

This picture resembles any that might have been taken of my own kids when I forced them to go to functions they'd rather not. They didn't want to go! The EZBOARD folks are suggesting that Elian was drugged, and THAT's why he looks so unhappy. I guess they never had kids.

-- Anita (Anita_S3@hotmail.com), May 08, 2000.

Anita:

Yeppers!!!! I drug not drugged my kids to go places and they sat and sulked or made our visit so uncomfortable, i had to leave...

Got to the point w/the now 19 yr old I couldnt take him nowhere.

Deb: do i sense some hostility? I did 'tend' to agree but for the reasons i listed above.

Anita brought out good point also.

---consumer who still hates to take the 16 yr old anywhere..LOL

-- consumer (shh@aol.com), May 08, 2000.

If I'm not mistaken, this photo was taken when Elian was leaving the residence. So, the party was already over. I think he's just acting timid because the media wasn't there when he arrived, and now he's leaving and the media are all over the place.

-- Buddy (buddydc@go.com), May 08, 2000.