Why was Sen. Dick Durbin, Illinois Democrat, seen recently leaving the home of a prominent Republican fundraiser? The homeowner, a well-known lobbyist who has donated to President Bush and held a fundraiser for the DC Republican Party this spring, has been doing renovations lately to his rowhouse facade.

Because of the construction, the driver of Durbin's black SUV was double-parked in front of the home the other day around 6:30 p.m. The senator, the number two Democrat in the upper chamber, was seen trotting out the front door and down the stairs before hopping into his ride.

-- Christina Bellantoni, Capitol Hill correspondent, The Washington Times