Democracy 21 is also keeping an eye on corporate events.
The watchdog groups are unhappy that convention partying is in high gear despite the new lobbying law and new House rules that were supposed to put more distance between lawmakers and lobbyists.
Earlier this month, the Sunlight Foundation released a list, compiled by the Washington lobbying firm Quinn Gillespie & Associates, of 400 parties and other functions scheduled for the two party conventions. It lists scores of events by lobbying firms, corporations and advocacy groups.
At previous conventions, such parties were often spectacles featuring bands, fine food and free-flowing alcohol, where lobbyists schmoozed with members and congressional staff. While some of the excesses have been curtailed, the events this year are still lavish affairs.