What the story doesn't tell us is whether or not paying someone $35,000 to speak is a common practice for the university.
If it is, then I don't have a problem with it, particularly if they're selling tickets and recouping the cost and actually making money off it.
If it isn't a common practice and there are no plans to recoup the cost then I would say the senator, although partisan, has a point.
But we don't have enough information to render a judgement.
Interesting to note that Moore is now willing to speak for free. Maybe they're onto something. Book him, then cancel him, then book him for free.
Cowperson