It’s a common and questionable practice pursued by recent presidents...Fly somewhere to raise money, throw in an official event, and have the taxpayers pick up the dime for some of the travel since a portion of the work is government business. Now, it appears, the first lady is and will be an active participant in this seedy practice, at an extra cost to taxpayers.

◼ Michelle Obama to Hold Four Calif. Fundraisers - whitehousedossier.com

Mrs. Obama will be in California (June 13 and 14), visiting Los Angeles, Pasadena, Oakland and San Francisco. She will hold two official “first lady” events and be the star attraction at FOUR fundraisers.

Whether she would have attended the official events if she wasn’t going to troll for money is anyone’s guess. But what seems likely is the cost of flying Michelle out to the West Coast so she can soak the legions of wealthy Californian Democrats for cash is being mitigated by having the official appearances on the schedule.

The first lady’s office did not respond to a request for information about whether and how much of the trip will be paid for by the government....

◼ Over poached eggs and asparagus
Michelle Obama seeks campaign support - SF Gate