Fannie, Freddie host GOP convention party

Politico reports:

House Republicans gave Treasury chief Henry Paulson an earful Wednesday about the administration's rescue package for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The two companies will have a chance to make it up to their congressional detractors during a housing industry reception at the Republican National Convention in Minnesota in September.

Fannie and Freddie are sponsoring a reception at the Graves Hotel in Minneapolis on Sept. 2, along with the Independent Community Bankers of America, the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors, according to a copy of the invitation.

But while House Republicans can expect to consume their fill of shrimp cocktail and chardonnay at Fannie and Freddie's expense, don't expect to see any Republican senators at the shindig. In fact, under the 2007 ethics and lobbying law, senators are prohibited from attending lobbyist sponsored bashes at conventions.