The Power Player

The episode created a political opportunity, prompting Byrd to draft the "Byrd Amendment," putting new restrictions on all lobbyists. It appeared to be a memorial to his anger at Cassidy.

So why, 16 years later, when he was 87 and frail, had Byrd come to a party to celebrate Cassidy? He responded to that question a little testily: "I'm here because I'm here. I was invited, and I decided to come."

Soon after the party another successful Washington lobbyist ventured an explanation: "That's simple. It's his cycle. He's up." Indeed he was. Republicans thought Byrd might be vulnerable, and they had targeted him in 2006. He was busily raising money to defend his seat, and Cassidy, it turned out, was doing his best to help.

Byrd's re-election committee later reported to the Federal Elections Commission that six weeks before his party, Gerald Cassidy had made a $2,000 contribution.

Then in November 2006, six months after the 30th birthday party, Cassidy & Associates' Political Action Committee made a $938 "in-kind" contribution to organize and pay the tab for a Byrd fundraiser at Finemondo, an Italian restaurant downtown. That event raised $16,645 more for Byrd, nearly all of it from employees of the Cassidy firm. One $2,000 donation was recorded in the name of Loretta Cassidy, the lobbyist's wife, whose pretty smile and high spirits lit up the party on the roof on May 17.

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As the sun set and the party wound down, Cassidy took a microphone and spoke, very briefly:

"All I want to say is it's been a great time, I've enjoyed it. . . . I've had a great time over the years because of all of you. . . . I've loved being in Washington working on important issues. . . . My boss is here, Senator McGovern. He brought me to Washington 35 years ago and opened the door to a great life. Thank you."

Research editor Alice Crites contributed to this report.