(RECAP: The housing market is in better shape than it was two years ago, but major issues are still in flux, and industry participants are placing large bets on favored congressional candidates ahead of the November election. Housing groups have already spent millions of dollars this election season, and check-writing is sure to ramp up over coming months. Given the partisan gridlock in Congress, one might wonder why the industry would bother to invest so much in lawmakers who may accomplish very little. The answer is simple: advocates must use every opportunity to promote their position.)