House Republicans consider total ban on lobbyist spending
This blog is about to go silent for a few days, to rest up for the Aug. 21 runoffs.
But we’ll leave you with this tidbit: You know that House Republicans, especially Speaker David Ralston, have endured a great deal of criticism for their opposition to a $100 cap on gifts from lobbyists to state lawmakers.
Last week, 87 percent of GOP voters in the July 31 primary endorsed the cap, which Ralston has called a “gimmick.” To give the speaker his due, it is indeed a low bar. A lobbyist would be able to spend $100 on a lawmaker’s breakfast, and still be allowed to buy him a $100 lunch.
We’ve gotten reliable information – and not from a single source — that House Republican leaders are considering legislation next January that would ban all lobbyist spending on lawmakers altogether. Nothing. Zip. Nada. And that Ralston is among those who have expressed interest in this path.
The impact on the culture of the state Capitol would be tremendous.
Leaders of the state Senate have signed onto the petition pushed by Common Cause Georgia and tea party groups, endorsing the $100 cap.
If you’re looking for a tactical parallel, think of abortion. For years, the House was the recipient of Senate bill after Senate bill that pushed for tougher restrictions. It relied on the House to block them.
But last year, the House up and approved passed HB 954, a bill that shortened the period during which a woman could seek an abortion. It was the most aggressive measure passed in decades. The Senate became the chamber forced to moderate the bill, with a provision that exempted pregnancies in which the fetus was found to be non-viable.
We may be looking at yet another example of one-upmanship. Consider this a signal that if state senators are willing to push the issue of ethics, Ralston’s House is prepared to meet them.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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127 comments Add your comment
skydog
August 10th, 2012
7:51 am
td,
Currently Georgia is one of three states that has NO regulation on gifts to elected officials. This “proposal” (that will never fly) is to put a $100 cap on gifts. As the laws stand NOW nobody knows who is giving what?
Saxbee sure is quite on this one. Word travels slow to Island golf courses I suppose?
WTF
August 10th, 2012
7:53 am
That shrieking sound of pain was the group of Republicans in the State House who didn’t sign the $100 gift cap plate because the Speaker didn’t support it pulling the knife out of their back.
Lobbyist Here
August 10th, 2012
8:07 am
I’m supportive of this idea and have been delighted to see the pressure that the straw-poll results from the primaries are bringing to bear. I would encourage all of you concerned about this issue to also follow the money trail back to the campaigns. Lobbyists control Political Action Committees and their organization’s campaign spending. Elected officials are heavily influenced by lobbyists and other special interests in that manner too.
As to those of you urging lobbyist bans, I think that would be a mistake. Lobbyists are needed to provide accurate technical information to policy makers who aren’t experts in every industry and policy area. Unfortunately, many elected officials and lobbyists have forgotten this fundamental roll, and the arms race of lobbyist spending, cronyism, and vote buying has ramped up. It disgusts me daily.
Keep the pressure on. Talk to your state representative and senator today. Get their committment i writing. After Nov 6, those legislators may forget they are working for you and will coalesce under the Gold Dome with lobbyists and party leaders protecting the status quo.
td
August 10th, 2012
8:10 am
skydog
August 10th, 2012
7:51 am
First, “Saxbee” is a Federal Senator and not a state Senator and this is about gifts in the state so he it is none of his business.
Second, the lobbyist do have to report every gift to every politician. How do you think this paper is able to report all the gifts the politicians are receiving?
Georgia on our minds...
August 10th, 2012
8:10 am
Money Bags or Bags of Money
August 10th, 2012
6:18 am
….no wonder the TSPLOST failed…until this behavior changes, this state will not get anything accomplished! We need “Ethics Reform” now!!
Cecelia
August 10th, 2012
8:12 am
Instead of focusing on lobbists, we should focus on the American people imposing term limits. DO NOT VOTE FOR ANYONE THAT HAS BEEN IN OFFICE FOR TWO TERMS. Knowing that they have a finite time to focus on governing, the lobbists and grid lock on reforms because it would look bad for their reelection would go away.
cc
August 10th, 2012
8:21 am
The voter was not allowed the option of voting “NO GIFT”. This was a carefully worded piece of work designed to produce a predictable result.
Elected officials are to serve their constituents and the state. If the pay isn’t enough, don’t seek the office. The acceptance of any gift given an official, family member or friend while that official holds office should be treated as a felony and prosecuted vigorously.
This blight on our political system knows no party affiliation and is an equal opportunity corruptor.
Sideline Dude
August 10th, 2012
8:30 am
I’m sure the lobbyists are already scrambling to get this stopped. If they can’t buy votes for their causes, then they’ll be out of a job. Passing such a law would, in my eyes, give the legislature some much needed credibility. Let’s hope it comes to be although I think the folks under the Gold Dome will cop out in the end. They like the perks & the attention from the lobbyists too much. Come on folks, do the right thing & ban it.
Bob Loblaw
August 10th, 2012
8:41 am
@ Lobbyist Here:
If you had any freaking clue, you would know that “banning lobbyists” was declared unconstitutional many years ago. Lobbyists have been regulated ever since.
Since you’re missing out such a vital part of why your job is permitted under the law, it makes sense that you’d like to see your free speech limited even further by not allowing you to pick up the tab for a cup of coffee, provide a lunch for a committee or do what people have been doing since before the Last Supper: conducting business over a meal.
Something tells me you’re on the Clerk’s office side of the hall. Just retire already.
Ga Values
August 10th, 2012
8:44 am
The morning AJC says that 4 of Reed’s Corrupt Cronies have lost their “minority disadvantaged” status. Bet they never lose their concessions at the airport. Clear Channel is still there & how much did that cost the city. You have to hand it to Reed he takes care of his friends.
Michael Marr
August 10th, 2012
8:46 am
Who are the 13% that say lobbyists can give whatever they want? Lobbyists and their prey? Or is that the other way around?
aziolko
August 10th, 2012
8:50 am
Dear SouthernGal…who will make the decision of who can “breed” and who can’t? Is this a class thing where folks like you decide the criteria? Is it based on education? It reeks of genocide.
hiram
August 10th, 2012
9:10 am
Anyone who questions the basis for Georgia’s ethics issues, should review this document and ask yourself, why do people like this hold any office, especially the Governor’s office.
http://oce.house.gov/disclosures/Review_No_09-1022_Referral_to_Standards.pdf
RS
August 10th, 2012
9:10 am
This would be a start. But as far as the politicians are concerned, these gifts, lunches, outings, and vacations are just the icing on the cake. The lobbyists aren’t going to lose influence. The campaign contributions and cushy jobs waiting for politicians and their families will ensure that.
joejoe
August 10th, 2012
9:13 am
LETS, ALSO BAN ANY CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ELECTED OFFICIALS OVER $50
Gift Cap? Forget That, How ’bout A Gift Ban? — Peach Pundit
August 10th, 2012
9:18 am
[...] Buzz Brockway · 0 comments TweetJim Galloway dropped off this little nugget as he was heading out of town. Last week, 87 percent of GOP voters in the July 31 primary endorsed [...]
Lobbyist Here
August 10th, 2012
9:20 am
@ Bob Loblaw, no need to be such a jerk on a Fri morning. I am well aware of state and federal laws regarding lobbyists. My previous post was intended for the court of public opinion and was a statement about public perception of lobbyists. And sorry to dissapoint you: since I’m in my early 30’s, I will be around under the Gold Dome a long time and will likely outlast you.
Bob Loblaw
August 10th, 2012
9:27 am
@ Lobbyist Here:
Not being a jerk at all. Just making sure that you’re oh-so-experienced opinion expressed to the folks on this board is clarified to be reflective of the free speech rights underlying lawfulness of lobbying and lobbyists.
Since you’re vast years of experience position you to be around “longer than I will”, I take it that you’re actually just green, lacking greenbacks and can’t afford to lobby. There’s a cost of doing business and if you think you can buy votes with food, you are showing your lack of experience. Any lobbyist who spends resources on legislators knows that they actually enjoy eating on your tab and then voting against you.
LoganvilleGuy
August 10th, 2012
9:27 am
@Bob Loblaw
Prohibiting the giving of gifts to state lawmakers does *NOT* violate free speech. I’m sorry to disappoint you but giving gifts to people who create laws is not free speech… it is bribery. You can’t tell me that part of the purpose of taking someone out to dinner or giving them gifts isn’t to butter them up to agree with your point of view. There is nothing stopping you from setting up a meeting in their office WITHOUT gifts and telling them the same thing.
Bob Loblaw
August 10th, 2012
9:33 am
@LoganvilleGuy:
Bribery is covered under GA law in the criminal code. Gifts to public officers is a civil matter. Both laws were strengthened in 2010, but like the Guv said, nobody gives them credit for it. If you can’t figure out the difference between a lawful gift and an illegal bribe, then you may wish to find a different subject to opine on. You are essentially calling out public officers for being criminals. You’ll need Bob Loblaw to defend your libel suit if you stay on this track.
O.C.G.A. 16-10-2 (2010)
16-10-2. Bribery
(a) A person commits the offense of bribery when:
(1) He or she gives or offers to give to any person acting for or on behalf of the state or any political subdivision thereof, or of any agency of either, any benefit, reward, or consideration to which he or she is not entitled with the purpose of influencing him or her in the performance of any act related to the functions of his or her office or employment; or
(2) A public official, elected or appointed, or an employee of this state or any agency, authority, or entity of the state, or any county or municipality or any agency, authority, or entity thereof, directly or indirectly solicits, receives, accepts, or agrees to receive a thing of value by inducing the reasonable belief that the giving of the thing will influence his or her performance or failure to perform any official action
LoganvilleGuy
August 10th, 2012
9:40 am
@Bob Loblaw:
*Now* you want to encroach on first amendment rights. My opinion is that allowing lobbyists that are trying to influence legislation to provide gifts to the lawmakers deciding on that legislation is bribery. I’m entitled to that opinion.
The fact that the practice is currently legal doesn’t have anything to do with whether it is right…
LoganvilleGuy
August 10th, 2012
9:44 am
Let me put it into perspective….
You get stopped by a police officer for speeding. While the police officer is standing at the window, you say, “Hey… Before you write me that ticket, let’s go out for a steak dinner and discuss the pros and cons of you giving me a ticket. My treat.” Acceptable? No.
Same principles in play here.
You guys have a good day… I’m going to work.
Bob Loblaw
August 10th, 2012
9:44 am
@LoganvilleGuy:
You don’t care whether or not its legal, huh? Great rationale. Its just about what YOU think is “right”. Why don’t you just run for King in the next election? Come down off your throne. How am I encroaching upon freedom of speech? I’m not shutting you up upon the threat of prison!?! Great response.
Is it bribery when a government contractor takes a potential subcontractor client out to lunch to discuss business?
Check out back…I think you need to go feed and water your high horse.
James Cole
August 10th, 2012
9:44 am
Our elected officials receive fair compensation for their service, which is to represent their Constituents.
Any gifts given to influence their decisions is bribery pure and simple. It should be illegal to give any amount and illegal for an elected official to accept any amount. We need a law that bans any amount of lobbyist giving.
Lobbyist Here
August 10th, 2012
9:48 am
@ Bob: since I’m a lisenced attorney, I tread carefully about expressing legal opinions on blogs and in other forums which could violate bar rules. My first post was my strong personal opinion and does not represent that of my employer. I believe I’m entitled to that and didn’t know that I should be talking some official lobbyist talking points that protect the status quo under the Dome. As for my greeness: the upcoming session will be my 10th. I’m well seasoned and have the expense account to prove it. Just because I CAN play with the big boys doesn’t mean I like all the rules of their game. We need meaningful ethics reform in GA now. The public demands it and they deserve it.
WTF
August 10th, 2012
9:48 am
You call $17k for 3 1/2 mos of full time work and frequent part-time work the rest of the calendar year “fair compensation?”
Road Scholar
August 10th, 2012
9:51 am
No gifts! And if they violate that rule they should get a sizable fine that goes straight to the ethics committee budget. If they fight it the legislator is fired!
Why can’t an “expert” testify in the senate or house chamber to make his /her point?
“We need a lot more than just a gift ban. We need:
1. an independent and appropriately funded ethics commission
2. An ethics commission that has the ability to start investigations
3. An ethics commission that has subpoena powers”
I like it!
td: A fed senator or house member is supposedly representing the state of Georgia. Let the law/rules in Georgia apply. They don’t have to run, and when unelected, they do not have to come home! Difficult? maybe. But we need to get them back to representing the people, not just the rich!
As for birth control and abortion, it is a personal thing. If you don’t want it, don’t have it! Not all share your views on abortion, religion, when life begins, etc. Conservatives spout about liberty and freedom. When will you start practicing it?
Will in Roswell
August 10th, 2012
10:10 am
Look, folks, banning lobbiests is probably unconstitutional. Remember that little part that talks about the right to petition the government? Well, a lobbiest does that very thing on behalf of his client, whether it be an individual, trade group, or company. All can and do have direct interest in legislation that affects them, so they speek up, usually through lobbiests. Now, how to control the money and gifts from lobbiests to elected officials is a completely different matter. Picking up the tab for a meal with a legislator should, in my view, be permitted. I have done it myself, for myself, when I wanted to get the undivided attention of my legislator. Beyond that, I would favor much tighter control. By the way, I am neither a paid lobbiest nor an elected official.
oldfart
August 10th, 2012
10:25 am
I’m thinking that most members of the Bar would know how to spell licensed and what “fundamental roll” do you provide? The kind that Betty found in Herman’s overcoat pocket?
Lobbyist Here
August 10th, 2012
10:32 am
@ Old Fart: My bad. Was typing on an iphone with a very small screen. Much to my dad’s frustration (he of the multiple-spelling bee wins), I have never been much of a speller-especially when writing heatedly!
I hope the sentiment was clear, however.
oldfart
August 10th, 2012
10:33 am
The old $1 Lake Burton leases would fit well under the $100 limit.
And let me second or third the motion for an ethics commission with teeth. I also want world peace, an end to hunger and sex with a beautiful woman at least 3 times a day.
WTF
August 10th, 2012
10:33 am
Agree with old fart, here.
hiram
August 10th, 2012
10:34 am
Does anyone know if and when this law was repealed?
Georgia Constitution of 1877
ARTICLE I.. SECTION II. Par. V. Lobbying is declared to be a crime, and the General Assembly shall enforce this provision by suitable penalties.
http://georgiainfo.galileo.usg.edu/con1877b.htm
Double Zero Eight
August 10th, 2012
10:37 am
It should not have taken a public outcry,
for our legislators to even consider doing
the right thing regarding lobbyists. They
were elected to lead by example.
WTF
August 10th, 2012
10:40 am
@Hiram:
Visit the Capitol museum on the 4th floor one day and find the exhibit on lobbying.
hiram
August 10th, 2012
10:41 am
Still there in 1945.
GEORGIA CONSTITUTION OF 1945
ARTICLE I.. SECTION II. Par. V. Lobbying is declared to be a crime, and the General Assembly shall enforce this provision by suitable penalties.
http://georgiainfo.galileo.usg.edu/con1945a.htm
Lobbyist Here
August 10th, 2012
10:42 am
@ WTF and Old Fart: Off the topic of ethics reform for a second–is it realistic to expect that blog posts will be spelled and punctuated correctly? Is it worth pointing out when they’re not? Typing on cell phones with Autofill without Spellcheck makes that difficult. I’ll own up to the spelling errors, but cut a girl a break. I was sitting in a gas station parking lot typing on an iPhone. And that was before I had my coffee.
Gwinnett Voter
August 10th, 2012
10:47 am
Hey, Cobb Voter – yes there are corrupt people in business. There just isn’t as high a percentage as in politics. “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely”. I firmly believe this. Many good people have fallen prey to the corruption of politics when they see all the perks and opportunities that come with an elected position. However, many corrupt people eventually go into politics where they become absolutely corrupt. Google “Obama.”
hiram
August 10th, 2012
10:49 am
Still there inn 1976
Georgia State Constitution (1976)
Paragraph XII. Lobbying; Penalties. Lobbying is declared to be a crime, and the General Assembly shall enforce this provision by suitable penalties
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Georgia_State_Constitution_(1976)#Section_I.
Road Scholar
August 10th, 2012
10:50 am
Will in Roswell: Couldn’t you meet in his office? If he has such low manners or focus on what you are saying, you may need to vote for someone else. He can instruct staff not to bother him until your meeting has concluded! Ya’ know…planning! Or is he in your pocket?
WOW
August 10th, 2012
10:53 am
@ hiram:
The problem you would have is enforcement of that law. When does it cross the line from first ammendment ’speaking to my representative’ vs. lobbying? Its a blury line….
Gift Cap? Forget That, How ’bout A Gift Ban?
August 10th, 2012
10:57 am
[...] Galloway dropped off this little nugget as he was heading out of town. Last week, 87 percent of GOP voters in the July 31 primary endorsed [...]
Auntie Christ
August 10th, 2012
11:01 am
The corruption in politics is not centered around lavish meals and Masters Tix. It’s Bubba John from down on the farm who doesn’t have 2 nickels to rub together somehow gets elected to office. From that point forward Bubba gets $2000 every election cycle from every CEO, their wife,his 3 kids, of every bank, corporation and company in the state. In addition Bubba’s wife, his 2 kids, and every sibling ends up on the boards of these corporations and banks, while Bubba gets honoraria in the 100’s of $1,000 for imparting his wisdom to various organizations around the state and nation.
To see how this works in real life, simply read the bio’s of newton leroy gingrich, zig zag zell miller, tom murphy, joe frank harris, h3ll any politician who has ever held office who came to town on Greyhound, carrying their card board suitcases and wearing K Mart suits, then left 20 years later on a corporate Lear Jet with millions in the bank.
People like “Lobbyist Here” aren’t our problem.
WTF
August 10th, 2012
11:07 am
@AuntieChrist:
I was going to get a good fiction book for the weekend, but if you’d just post a couple more items like this, I’d have my fill.
hiram
August 10th, 2012
11:16 am
This is from a 1981 Court Case. What happened to this law?
The Georgia Constitution, Art. I, Sec. II, Par. XII (Code Ann. 2-212), declares lobbying to be a crime. The definition of lobbying found in Code Ann. 47-1001 (Ga. L. 1978-79, pp. 29, 30) is as follows: “Lobbying is any personal solicitation of a member of the General Assembly, during a session thereof, by private interview, or letter, or message, or other means, not addressed solely to the judgment, to favor or oppose, or to vote for or against any bill, Resolution, report, or claim, pending or to be introduced in either branch thereof, by any person who misrepresents the nature of his interest in the matter to such member, or who is employed for a consideration by a person or corporation interested in the passage or defeat of such bill, Resolution, report, or claim, for the purpose of procuring the passage or defeat thereof.”
http://www.lawskills.com/case/ga/id/780/5/index.html
T. M. Fricano
August 10th, 2012
11:21 am
Even if it passes, what fox gets put in charge of watching the hen house,, and if we catch the “violators” what is the penalty?? A slap on the wrist? If the penalty doesn’t fit the crime (I.e. jail time) the bill will be useless. The key is enforcement & penalty, then GA may just make it into the 21st century!
Auntie Christ
August 10th, 2012
11:35 am
WTF @ 1107 “I was going to get a good fiction book for the weekend,”
If you are saying the sequence of events I laid out, tho exaggerated, are fiction, then I suggest you rethink getting any further works of fiction and concentrate instead on non-fiction political history, particularly that of Ga and the south.
td
August 10th, 2012
11:48 am
WTF
August 10th, 2012
11:07 am
@AuntieChrist:
I was going to get a good fiction book for the weekend, but if you’d just post a couple more items like this, I’d have my fill.
I rarely agree with Auntie very often but he/she might be exaggerating a little for effect but is factually accurate.
James
August 10th, 2012
11:54 am
What’s the point of being elected if you can’t be wine’d, dine’d, and sexified by special interests? The job is pretty boring if you have to actually do the hard work of researching issues and deciding what would make life better for all Georgians. It’s much easier to just go bone after a free dinner at Bones.
Bob Loblaw
August 10th, 2012
11:56 am
@Auntie Christ:
Been focused on it since birth. You’re observations of Georgia’s public officials must be from the black helicopter you hover over the Cap in. Everyone’s a crook. You’re the one at the coffee shop at the end of the counter that won’t stop ranting.
We have good people down there. With 200+ spots up for election, you surely get some bad apples. Your broad brush would color that Gold dome black.
@ James: Could I buy you with a dinner at Bone’s? If you were elected, should I assume I could?