Via Tampa Bay Times:
"Attendees at the Republican National Convention may require special tools to fully enjoy their visit: toothpicks. At many parties, that's what they'll be eating with." 
Why? Because one cannot be seen as being wined and dined......
"According to the House Ethics Manual, House members and staff may attend "receptions offering only 'food or refreshments of nominal value' that are not 'part of a meal' (e.g., light appetizers and drinks, or soda and cookies)" or at "widely attended events" where a sit-down meal is acceptable."
