Parties continue as lobbyists find loopholes

DENVER -- First-term Democrats, who were swept into Congress in the 2006 elections on a campaign against Republican lobbying-related scandals, were among the most vocal supporters of the new ethics law passed last year.

Now, many of them are here at the Democratic National Convention, where the calendar is chockablock with receptions paid for by corporations, unions or others with important business before Congress. The parties are legal, as long as they fit a set of exceptions to the rules banning members from accepting gifts and meals from lobbying groups, including that the food is eaten standing up or the party is raising money for charity.

Freshman Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee, who won his 2006 race in a landslide, said he has attended many functions, including a Tuesday invitation-only Huffington Post party where he sat at the same table as comedian Chevy Chase.

"I think when the thing is over I'll hardly remember who sponsored the events," he said. "I don't think it affects anybody's vote."

While lawmakers such as Cohen insist attending parties won't influence how they vote in Congress, that doesn't mean there won't be a political price for a freshman filmed munching on jumbo shrimp while mingling with lobbyists.

"My judgment is that members should be very careful before they attend an event because of the implications and how it can be used politically," Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who runs the committee charged with helping to win more Democratic House seats, told USA TODAY this week.

Among the most closely watched events of the four-day convention: a Wednesday townhouse reception organized by a Washington lobbying firm, Parven Pomper Strategies, and sponsored by Visa, U.S. Bank and other financial institutions. It was billed as honoring the Democratic freshman class.

Parven Pomper represents Visa in Washington, lobbying records show, and also chemical maker Monsanto, oil giant Chevron, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the drug industry lobby. Parven partners did not return repeated phone messages.