By Bart Jansen, CQ Staff

Nancy Watzman approached the velvet rope outside Brit’s Pub and Eating Establishment in Minneapolis. But her name wasn’t on the list to attend a reception for the Georgia delegation, and the bouncer turned her away politely from what was described as a private party.

Watzman is used to it. As a consultant for the Sunlight Foundation, she’s spent the last two weeks checking parties at the Democratic and Republican conventions to see how — and how well — sponsors followed ethics rules.

“We’re not going as police,” Watzman said. “It’s to bring more transparency to government.”

Reasons for checking including the complicated ethics legislation (PL 110-81) and adjustments to the rules applied by ethics committees in the House and Senate. Lawmakers, lobbyists and observers are still gauging the rules of the road – and what changes might be needed.

“The efforts by Public Citizen, the Sunlight Foundation and others to bird dog the parties and events hosted by lobbyists at the conventions are intended to let lobbyists and lawmakers know that the ethics rules apply at the conventions as well as on Capitol Hill,” said Craig Holman, a lobbyist for Public Citizen, which supported the stricter rules.

Lobbyists are no longer allowed to hold events honoring specific lawmakers. But throwing a party for a group of lawmakers is allowed.

On Aug. 25, the first day of the Democratic convention, Qwest Chief Executive Edward A. Mueller held a reception that included lawmakers at Palettes Restaurant at Denver Art Museum.

“This event is designed to be a ‘widely attended event’ under the requirements of the federal gift rules,” the invitation said.

Participants remain squeamish about publicizing their attendance. Watzman stopped by Nathan’s Monday after hearing from a cab driver that there was a party for former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. She found the table piled with the name tags and the placard of sponsors such as Anheuser Busch, but not a ticket to get in.

“We asked if members of Congress were invited,” Watzman said. “’Yes. Many,’ she said. But they wouldn’t tell us.”

One way for a lawmaker to sidestep tougher ethics standards was to hold a fundraiser rather than a party. If a lobbying organization threw a party, the rules prohibited honoring a specific lawmaker or serve a full meal or give gifts. But a fundraising event is under none of those limitations – and provides campaign cash.

On Aug. 24, several lobbyists held a fundraiser for Rep. Joe Baca , D-Calif., to “kickoff the National Democratic Convention with a day of golf & reception.” Tickets ranged from attendees at $250 to platinum sponsors at $5,000 for the round at Buffalo Run Golf Course.

“I don’t think any of it is illegal, but it’s still worth watching,” Watzman said.