Rep. Paul Hodes (D) is working to pay off his campaign debt.

The freshman from Concord mortgaged his house to loan his campaign $250,000 last year.

That is the maximum amount under campaign finance rules that a candidate can borrow from himself — and still take as long as necessary to pay himself back.

Hodes is hosting a breakfast this morning at the National Democratic Club on Capitol Hill. “Chairmen” are asked to donate $5,000, while $2,500 earns attendees host status and individuals can attend for $1,000.

Hodes still owed himself $189,500 as of Dec. 31 and ended the year with less than $12,000 in cash on hand.

Hodes unseated then-Rep. Charles Bass (R), who served six terms, to win the 2nd district seat in November. He likely will be a top GOP target in 2008.

— Nicole Duran