Hundreds of Democrats then flooded out of the Staples Center early, skipping out on such speakers as former Sen. Bill Bradley (D-NJ) and Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-Tenn) in hopes of grabbing an early shuttle to one of several lavish after parties underwritten by a who's who of corporate interests.

At the ivory gates of Hollywood's Paramount Studios, stretch limos last night created a minor traffic jam, as thousands of people arrived for two hot ticket parties held on the same studio back lot that is home to such shows as "Ally McBeal" and "NYPD Blue."

A faux New York street for a few hours last night was transformed into the Big Easy for "Mardi Gras Goes Hollywood," a reception honoring Sen. John Breaux (D-La). There revelers, including Labor Secretary Alexis Herman and several members of Congress, drank Pat O'Brien Hurricanes and snacked on oysters, gumbo and shrimp. Meanwhile, Mardi Gras floats imported straight from Bourbon Street delivered handfuls of beads and medallions, one carved into a likeness of Breaux himself.

Who paid for this extravaganza? It wasn't hard to find out, considering the corporate logos planted on everything from cups to goodie bags given to attendees. Among the more prominent sponsors: AT&T ($3.7 million in soft money; PAC & individual contributions in 1999-00; 35 percent to Democrats); BellSouth Corp ($1.7 million; 42 percent to Democrats); SBC Communications ($2.1 million; 51 percent to Democrats); and Merck ($410,000; 23 percent to Democrats) –- all companies with pending interests before the Senate Finance and Commerce Committees, of which Breaux is a member.

Across the lot, the Gap Band was the main act of a party thrown by Fannie Mae ($1.2 million; 50 percent to Democrats) for the Democratic Governors Association. The gala, which ran well into the early morning hours, featured a well-stocked open bar, free food and free photos of guests standing before a screen featuring the Paramount Pictures logo.

And for the night owls, America Online ($1.2 million; 44 percent to Democrats) and the United Parcel Service ($2.2 million; 23 percent to Democrats) underwrote the Democratic National Committee's Late Night at the Sky Bar. But that event didn't go as smoothly as others, as a fire alarm cleared the trendy Sunset Strip joint just after midnight. Among others stranded on the sidewalk below: fundraiser Terry McAuliffe, President Clinton's golfing buddy.

With today's convention schedule promising to deliver as thrilling a line-up as old re-runs of the Lawrence Welk Show, chances are convention attendees might be making another beeline for the party circuit tonight. Here are some of the top events:

Energy interests, surprise surprise, are on tap to honor Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich), ranking member of the House Commerce Committee and chief architect of a planned electricity deregulation bill. Scheduled to be held at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip, the party is being underwritten by the American Gas Association ($394,000; 41 percent to Democrats); Edison Electric Institute ($547,000; 48 percent to Democrats); Nuclear Energy Institute ($211,000; 27 percent to Democrats); and the National Mining Association ($248,000; 23 percent to Democrats).

Financial interests hoping to boost the chances of legislation that would reform pension and retirement packages are sponsoring the Academy of Savings Awards Reception this afternoon at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, one time home of the REAL Academy Awards. Sponsored by such companies as Merrill Lynch ($1.2 million; 36 percent to Democrats); American Express ($564,000; 45 percent to Democrats); and Prudential Insurance ($995,000; 46 percent to Democrats), honorees include Breaux and Democratic members of the House and Senate Finance Committees.

The Technology Network, a coalition representing the Silicon Valley lobby, is throwing a party at the exclusive Garden of Eden. The TechNet ($122,159; 38 percent to Democrats) invitee list includes computer industry CEOs and members of Congress.

After tonight's speech from the convention podium, Vice Presidential candidate Joe Lieberman (D-Conn) will head off for dinner with big donors to the Democratic National Committee. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee this afternoon is honoring Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) at the famous Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills. Then later tonight, the DCCC will honor its chairman, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), at the Egyptian Theater in West Hollywood. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle also will get props later tonight from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee at the Water Grill in downtown LA.

The Center for Responsive Politics is a non-partisan, non-profit research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics, and its effect on elections and public policy.