HENDERSON-With a district facing some of the worst foreclosure problems in the country, Congressman Jon Porter (R-Nev.) hosted a mortgage counseling fair for constituents Saturday morning on the Henderson campus of the University of Southern Nevada.

"There's a real crisis happening with our families in Nevada," said Porter.  "We have one of the hardest-hit states with the mortgage crisis.  In Congressional District 3, it's 1 out of every 154 houses may well go into foreclosure.  We want to make sure they have every tool available in my office and in the federal government to help these families."

The fair, which was organized by Porter's office, brought private lenders like Bank of America and Countrywide, credit unions and agents from governmental services like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Clark County Housing Authority together with private citizens to offer guidance on foreclosure problems. 

Porter had publicized the event through a series of public service announcements in Spanish and English media and a franked mail piece to approximately 50,000 households in the district.  Porter's office had also called some 45,000 households in the district, offering what he described as a "radio talk show" where families could listen in on expert counseling from the banking industry and Wall Street.

"We want the professionals, the bankers and the credit unions, legitimate companies, to help sit down and counsel folks in this time of challenge," said Porter. 

One family whom Porter spoke with had seen their mortgage change hands three times in the previous year and their payment balloon from $5,500 a month to $7,000.

"It's tragic," Porter said.  "They each work at one of the properties on the strip.  I can't imagine a $7,000 a month house payment.  The companies they've called are saying ‘hey, you've signed a contract.'  We're not finished helping that family."

Porter urged federal action on the many plans and bills that have been offered to address the foreclosure crisis, complaining that "the thing about the federal government is that they're too slow."

"There's probably a hundred different solutions right now.  My concern is that because of the partisan nature, they're going to be bickering for months at the same time that families are struggling to make their payments."

Referring to the various plans offered by the major presidential candidates, Porter said "right now, everyone's just talking."

"Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton are in positions to pass legislation, as is John McCain.  I say to the presidential folks, let's put it on the table, let's have the hearings and see how it impacts, if it will work.  Again, there are tons of ideas.  I know mine will work because it's simple," Porter said, referring to his plan to allow state and local housing authorities to use bonds to help refinance mortgages.  According to Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun, Porter's bill has "had little traction in the House."

Despite the heavy outreach, turnout for the fair was light.  As of 11 a.m., three hours into the four-hour fair, only about fifty people had come by.

Still, the fair represents one of the many advantages of incumbency that Porter can bring to bear as he faces one of the toughest reelection campaigns in the country.  While not considered electioneering, his franked mail pieces, public service announcements and numerous phone calls will certainly add to his personal approval rating.  Also, anyone that does receive assistance from Porter's office will remember it in November, regardless of their political affiliation.