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.

Invited guests trickled into a brick building in downtown Denver for the party Wednesday afternoon. Two women with guest lists refused to talk with a reporter, saying they were not authorized to speak. They would not give their names.

Campaign-finance watchdog Fred Wertheimer of Democracy 21 criticized the event as violating "the spirit of the new House ethics rule."

The new ethics rules, which were enacted after the conviction of former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, make it illegal for members to attend events sponsored by companies, unions or lobbyists that honor a single member. But, to the chagrin of Democracy 21 and other watchdog groups, the House ethics committee is allowing attendance at parties honoring a group of members. The Senate ethics committee did not agree with that interpretation, so senators operate under tighter rules.

Rep. Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania, who faces a tough election fight in a heavily Republican district, said he came to the convention to cast his vote as a delegate. "I won't go to any receptions," he said. "It's not that it's right or wrong, it's just that I don't have the time for that."

Rep. John Sarbanes of Maryland didn't rule out going to any event. "Look, you're never going to keep these lobbyists-players out of the equation completely," he said. "But what you can do is to make sure that there is a lot of transparency about how they conduct their business."

The Price of Power is an ongoing series tracking the role of money in politics.