Politico reports that Sen. Maria Cantwell "has a mortgage with Countrywide Financial Corp. — the same company that provided special VIP mortgage deals to Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.)"

Politico requested mortgage information from senators and as of yesterday only Cantwell had failed to respond.

Presented with public records Wednesday, Cantwell spokeswoman Ciaran Clayton said that Cantwell originally obtained the mortgage on her Edmonds, Wash., home from U.S. Bank but that U.S. Bank subsequently sold the loan to Countrywide.

It’s a common practice for mortgages to be sold after they’re originated, and the transfer often happens without any involvement by the homeowner.

Asked if Cantwell had any contact with Countrywide during the transaction, Clayton said, “Not that I’m aware of.” Asked if Cantwell received any special terms on the loan, Clayton said, “I don’t know the details.” Clayton said Cantwell’s Washington, D.C., condominium is financed through U.S. Bank.

Yesterday Gov. Chris Gregoire accused Countrywide of predatory and discriminatory lending.

UPDATE: Clayton just called. She says Cantwell received no special terms on her loan. She said the office did not see the written request for mortgage information from Politico and there was no intent to avoid the questions.

When a Politico reporter called, Clayton said she answered all the questions posed to her.