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
Kris
August 9th, 2012
7:51 pm
I will believe it if and when (big IF) I see madein to Law. Should be first on the agenda, signed into law to take effect immediately. Law should include very high fines…Make it hurt.
Calling it
August 9th, 2012
7:58 pm
Calling it now – House passes the Speaker’s plan, Senate passes $100 cap, neither side takes up the other’s bill. Everyone can claim to be for ethics and no bill ever becomes law. Legislators win again.
hiram
August 9th, 2012
8:10 pm
It will never happen, but if it did, you know what is coming next – they will continue to discuss business over lunch, but it will be with a flirtacious, persuasive, beautiful, young female lobbyist, wearing a low cut top and short skirt, and the fat old men will probably pick up THEIR tabs.
Skip
August 9th, 2012
8:14 pm
Never going to happen, never.
Bernie
August 9th, 2012
8:22 pm
Jim, So if I am hearing and understanding what you are saying here?
The REPUBLICAN’S decision to AGREE on a total BAN of gifts. Is to some how be an appeasement to ALL of the WOMEN OF GEORGIA on the issue of PASSED, APPROVED and SIGNED LEGISLATION ENACTED INTO LAW AND FURTHER RESTRICTING THEIR RIGHTS AS A CITIZEN concerning their PERSONAL HEALTHCARE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR OWN BODIES…. is an ACT OF CONTRITION for passing such LAWS!
OMG! I Can HEAR The SCREAMS OF LAUGHTER……….ALREADY!
LADIES, If YOU are NOT AT THE POLLS in HUGE and RECORD BREAKING NUMBERS…..SMILING! at these CRETINS, then YOU DESERVE all of the THINGS they have DONE UNTO….YOU, YOUR MOTHERS,GRANDMOTHERS, SISTERS, DAUGHTERS, AUNTS, NIECES COUSINS,NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS, and ASSOCIATES!
Steve
August 9th, 2012
8:23 pm
How about banning lobbyists all together? How is it we allow special interest groups to influence out law makers in the first place. Get rid of the lobbyists and it will be a step toward having a functional government.
Fartavious
August 9th, 2012
8:25 pm
Steve is correct.
Wondering
August 9th, 2012
8:31 pm
Absoutely. We should outlaw the right to speak with our elected representatives. What Steve said.
Alex
August 9th, 2012
8:39 pm
I doubt this will ever come to fruition; but if so, it would be interesting to see if it helped to make the sessions shorter??? Without dinners and free tickets, the only thing left to keep them in town would be their girlfriends! Never mind!
Wishful thinking
August 9th, 2012
8:39 pm
I agree Steve. I have been hoping that the ability for anyone to petition the government for any reason what so ever would be prohibited. I advocate for people to make their choices in a vacume with incomplete information, and what will lead us all to the ideal state.
Shine
August 9th, 2012
8:52 pm
Maybe the House gets them a NEW SPEAKER too as Ralston needs to go.
findog
August 9th, 2012
8:55 pm
operative word “consider”
Cobb Voter
August 9th, 2012
8:58 pm
While the $100 gift cap or total ban would be a nice gesture, it is naive to think that it will “solve” ethical failures at the Capitol. First off, politicians are not unlike the rest of us and the professions we are in… there are corrupt IBM workers, doctors and nurses, teachers, preachers, construction workers, lawyers, truck drivers, policemen, journalists, etc. Humanity, at its very nature is a struggle about character – and most, if not all, fail at different times. In the case of politicians, we just get to hear about it and feel better about ourselves.
double
August 9th, 2012
9:09 pm
Increased salary,increased expense per diem.Under table DEALs.It will never stop.Just part of perks.
Kris
August 9th, 2012
9:16 pm
@ double “Under table DEALs.It will never stop.Just part of perks.”
Dirty DEALS behind locked,guarded doors…GA politics at its best,
Options are to vote out or Recall and IMPEACH!
Dome Dawg
August 9th, 2012
9:17 pm
It isn’t the gifts that people should be focusing on here. Lapel pins, cufflinks, rounds of golf, and lunches at Ruth Chris mean nothing compared to someone’s attendance at a $5,000 per person fundraiser.
Sally
August 9th, 2012
9:24 pm
Coming for someone who definately leans Republican, the Republicans in Georgia have been a huge disappointment. Huge! David Ralston at the top of that list. I am so happy the voters sent such a strong message about the lobbyist gifts. We’ll see what happens with that.
Kris
August 9th, 2012
9:28 pm
Don;t forget the use of private jets, resorts and family vacations.
td
August 9th, 2012
9:34 pm
This is a dumb idea. Now at least the voter can keep an eye on the handouts and decide if their politician is worth keeping. Now the under the table deals will increase (wife, daughter, son or friend ) the good job or the discount on getting the house fixed up ect and our politicians will be able to tell the voter how clean they are.
Stupid idea.
oldfart
August 9th, 2012
9:34 pm
What about non-monetary gratuities?
oldfart
August 9th, 2012
9:36 pm
It’s hard to set the price on good companionship.
Kris
August 9th, 2012
9:40 pm
Wonder what the going rate is $$,$$$,$$$$$
jebbery
August 9th, 2012
9:52 pm
@Calling it has it about right…
Thomas
August 9th, 2012
9:57 pm
Georgia Power/ Southern Company will lobby hard to keep them (bribery) gifts a flowing!
Auntie Christ
August 9th, 2012
9:57 pm
Look at the scofflaws we have in office now, at least they require $5,000-$10,000 to sell us out. Enact this law and it just means we’ll end up with a bunch of worse malefactors willing sell us out for $100.
hiram
August 9th, 2012
10:00 pm
@td
I guess these guys were just stupid.
The hostility to, and general absence of, open lobbying in the First Congress was entirely
consistent with what we know about the political culture of the early United States. It would have
been directly contrary to the hopes of the Federal Constitution’s framers if the new government
had been immediately overrun by modern interest or pressure group politics.
Most of the men we now know as the Founders disliked political parties and other forms of concerted, aggressive, competitive political action outside of the direst political emergencies.
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and many other leaders felt that the essence of good government, and virtuous leadership, was dis-interestedness, and they had been profoundly disturbed by the selfinterested, narrow-minded politics they saw dominating the newly democratized state governments during the 1780s. This was one of the chief ideas motivating the drive to replace the old confederation with a federal government that would not be under the states’ control.
While Madison and Hamilton knew that there inevitably would be competing interests in America that
would selfishly seek benefits and advantages from the government, they hoped that their new
national state would be large, diverse, and distant enough to prevent any particular local interest
from amassing the legislative majorities necessary to carry out their schemes.
http://pasleybrothers.com/mocourses/jefferson/Pasley_lobbying_chapter.pdf
GaBlue
August 9th, 2012
10:03 pm
For anyone who believes that David Ralston just grew a set of integrity nuggets, I have a chalet to sell you on the slopes of Ocala. Great place to cool off. Perfect for snowboarding!
td,
I have an even better deal for you! See, there’s this bridge up in New York…
td
August 9th, 2012
10:09 pm
hiram
August 9th, 2012
10:00 pm
You do realize that our founding fathers were the top 1%? They were working to keep the wealth they already had and such things as political parties would only get in their way.
td
August 9th, 2012
10:11 pm
GaBlue
August 9th, 2012
10:03 pm
td,
I have an even better deal for you! See, there’s this bridge up in New York…
I see you are an avid watcher of MSNBC and and a fan of Al. Explains a great deal.
Mandingo
August 9th, 2012
10:15 pm
You can bet your last $$$$$$ that is all the Johnny Reb House Republicans are going to do IS “consider”
GaBlue
August 9th, 2012
10:22 pm
td,
Um…. you’re hallucinating again. MSNBC has way too many annoying pharmaceutical commercials in an hour of programming for me to tolerate. Former Republican Congressman Joe Scarborough (google his name with Lori Klausutis to see how the Jeb Bush handles a Kennedy-style dead girl scandal) can’t be bothered to deliver a single scrap of news in the morning, for all the caffeine-pumped shouting they do about what Americans think of an election that’s months or years away. BORRRRRRR-ING!
I know more than one Al, and you’re connecting dots that aren’t actually there. Maybe it’s time to adjust those meds again, you think? Bless your heart.
hiram
August 9th, 2012
10:24 pm
@td
Newt taught you well. Just make it up as you go.
“f the people were not vigilant, if the people let elites manipulate politics, an aristocracy of wealth would re-emerge in their young republic and eventually destroy it. No republic, the Jeffersonians argued, can tolerate inequality and survive. The new United States, as James Madison had noted, needed to become more equal, through laws that, “without violating the rights of property, reduce extreme wealth towards a state of mediocrity, and raise extreme indigence toward a state of comfort.”
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/04/23/969608/-Founding-Fathers-and-Wealth
hiram
August 9th, 2012
10:38 pm
td,
Romney represents the absolute opposite of what they were trying to accomplish. What is laughable is when morons like Bachmann or Palin try to tie their idiotic rhetoric to the founding fathers. They would have put all them, including Romney, on a ship to nowhere.
Bernie
August 9th, 2012
10:43 pm
A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio address, Oct. 26, 1939
James
August 9th, 2012
11:22 pm
They’ll still be able to cheat on their spouses and have sex with attractive young lobbyists, right? Since prostitution is illegal, there’s no monetary value for having sex with someone which means it would be quite legal for them to trade rolls in the hay for a vote her way.
karl
August 9th, 2012
11:42 pm
Ralston will be a big supporter, if the special interest can’t spend money, imagine how many more of his relatives will suddently be offerred jobs by advocacy groups. Son-n-law, niece, pretty soon all of Blue Ridge will be trolling the halls of the Gold Dome.
Hillbilly D
August 10th, 2012
12:02 am
The Jeffersonians and the Hamiltonians were two separate, opposing factions.
Kris
August 10th, 2012
12:23 am
Which any other place but Georgia would be considered nepotism.
frugal voter
August 10th, 2012
3:08 am
To totally eliminate the lobbying money will put a serious hurt on the restaurants that I could never afford to patronize.
rawmilkdrinker
August 10th, 2012
4:12 am
Well, it used to be that you couldn’t buy a drink while the polls were open so as to not succumb to selling your vote for a couple of cold beers or a double shot of demon rum. Smart candidates stocked up prior to election day with “walking around alcohol”
Attack Dog
August 10th, 2012
4:30 am
Since Georgia is a “Red State,” we see exactly how the country was run during the first decade of the 21st century, and would be run again with a Dixiecrat majority.
Money Bags or Bags of Money
August 10th, 2012
6:09 am
What about the gifts that are not from lobbyists. Shouldn’t there be a limit/ban on those too?
As the law stands, anyone of us can give any size gift to our legislators (there are some restrictions). Right now we have no way of knowing about these gifts. They are unreported. Shouldn’t legislators at least have to disclose ALL the gifts they receive?
Old School Girl
August 10th, 2012
6:18 am
Hahahahahaha ROL hahahah…will never happen.
Our elected officials will figure out a way around the laws, or eliminate departments that enforce the laws. We will see a drastic increase in ‘in-kind’ favors indrectly to them, their family members, friends, or business partners…..
Money Bags or Bags of Money
August 10th, 2012
6:18 am
Also, this gift ban idea is great and everything but even after we ban these gifts, our state will still be last in the nation for ethics. http://www.stateintegrity.org/georgia
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
The above are only just a few simple suggestions. There are dozens more, if you read the report. Our state is a mess, in this area.
Money Bags or Bags of Money
August 10th, 2012
6:21 am
We can be cynical and defeatist or we can call and write our legislators and ask them to take action. We can support challengers in primary races and general elections. We can support third party candidates like the Green Party or Tea Party
Scott Anderson
August 10th, 2012
6:48 am
get rid of all lobbyists
its pathetic what they have done to this country
any of us have a job where ppl try to ply you with cash and gifts to get you to do things ?
and its been going on for 100 years.
why ………America allows them to make the laws.
Wake up America – we cant be stupid forever.
Georgia Politics, Campaigns and Elections – Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for August 10, 2012 – Georgia Pundit
August 10th, 2012
6:55 am
[...] Galloway writes for the AJC that House leaders may be considering a total ban on lobbyist spending on legislators. We’ve gotten reliable information – and not from a single source — that House Republican [...]
SouthernGal
August 10th, 2012
7:07 am
@Bernie…why is BC or abortion a political matter?
1. I would prefer my tax money pay for abortions for those who should never ever be allowed to breed.
2. Legal sterilization of baby daddy’s and baby mamma’s who breed indiscriminately!
Ronnie Raygun
August 10th, 2012
7:20 am
Unfortunately the biggest bribes are the hardest to crack down on. Lobby firms have found that hiring a politician’s spouse and/or children for a no-show job is the easiest “legal” way to bribe them.
Tom
August 10th, 2012
7:47 am
Unless the Senate leadership replaces the Chair of the Rules Committee, it’s going to be SSDY.
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?
WTF
August 10th, 2012
11:59 am
@Auntie:
Your fiction is just more fun.
hiram
August 10th, 2012
12:26 pm
In order for our state’s government to function as designed, the state’s citizens can’t just function as spectators.
Georgia Constitution
SECTION II.
ORIGIN AND STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT
Paragraph I. Origin and foundation of government. All government, of right, originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole. Public officers are the trustees and servants of the people and are at all times amenable to them .
Paragraph II. Object of government. The people of this state have the inherent right of regulating their internal government. Government is instituted for the protection, security, and benefit of the people; and at all times they have the right to alter or reform the same whenever the public good may require it.
jconservative
August 10th, 2012
12:56 pm
Relax lobbyist, don’t panic!
There are several months left for both chambers to think of reasons not to pass such bills. So take your favorite general assrmbly member on a Hilton Head golfing this weekend.
WTF
August 10th, 2012
12:59 pm
Because golfing in 100 degree heat in the lowcountry in August is just what every legislator wants to do on the weekend.
Auntie Christ
August 10th, 2012
1:16 pm
Loblaw @1156: “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.”
As a lawyer, it is your job to read between the lines in an effort to find loopholes, but it is not good form to do it on an internet blog. Was there anything in my comment indicting the 200+ good people you refer to? Is there some reason you interpreted my comment to mean I was referring to anyone other than those you characterize as “bad apples?” It may be you who circles in the black helo, ready to ‘SWAT’ those critical influence peddling at the Capitol, which is the SOP of modern politics and pretty much done by the ‘bad apples’ as I described it.
Since you took such umbrage, I have to wonder if there is some hint of a guilty conscience in there somewhere? You’re not one of Bubba’s ‘contributors are you.
Bob Loblaw
August 10th, 2012
1:35 pm
@Auntie:
What on God’s green Earth are you talking about? Or should I say, doubletalking about? In the words of the Chicken Farmer in “Napoleon Dynamite,” Boy, I don’t know a thing you just said.
Auntie Christ
August 10th, 2012
1:36 pm
And Bob, you’re not gonna bill me for that misguided ‘advice’ are you?
Auntie Christ
August 10th, 2012
1:43 pm
Loblaw @ 135: “Boy, I don’t know a thing you just said.”
In the future, I’ll try to remain monosyllabic when I reply to your comments.
Just saying..
August 10th, 2012
1:43 pm
Isn’t this also called “Leading from behind”?
Bernie
August 10th, 2012
1:46 pm
SouthernGal @ 7:07 am – While reviewing all of the other comments posted and yours it leaves me with a sense that the issue of Women’s healthcare rights are not as an important as the issue to those who are without a VAGINA!
The interest of a maximum $100 ban seems to be the most important thing here by most of the posters so far. That alone is very intriguing and telling more than you know!
You can bet many of the silent female readers of this column are attuned to the fact. It is my hope and desire,they are only waiting in silence as most females do when MEN do stupid things awaiting their chance to be heard.
I would be willing to go out on a limb and say despite your user name gender reference. Your comment typically comes from one who is without a VAGINA!
Just saying..
August 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
Steve
August 9th, 2012-8:23 pm: “How about banning lobbyists all together?”
Got my vote.
S
August 10th, 2012
3:37 pm
There’s an election coming up are they going to say “Were keeping the Perks”, no they will lie and say they will do away with them. Hypocrites! Cretin’s a perfect name for these Republican fools. Every single woman needs to get registered and go to the polls in this state come Nov. If any of the Cretins are not up for reelection this year, catch them at the next election and vote for the other guy/girl. These Republicans in office from this state have shown, all, what their made of, and it is not something fit for public office.
Moon Mullins
August 10th, 2012
4:01 pm
Don’t hold your breath. These ol’ boys are so used to handouts and perqs that you’ll have to pry them from their cold dead hands.
Cobbian
August 10th, 2012
4:46 pm
regarding that $100 cap on gifts from lobbyists to legislators…
I voted against it because I wanted zip, nada, not one red cent. Get rid of all forms of payoffs, gifts, graft between legislators and lobbyists. Of course, that means that what the supporters of lobbyists give to those who run for office will become even more important … to the legislators. But, we can only attack corruption one step at the time. Lets at least do this much.
Dave
August 10th, 2012
5:19 pm
If they mean it, I might become a GOP guy. I don’t really mean it, especially since it appears from this piece that they are playing some sort of insider game with their friends in the state Senate. How about another referendum in November: “Should the Legislature vote for, and the Governor sign, a bill that forbids any employee, constitutional officer, representative, senator or governor of the State of Georgia be forbidden to receive anything of value from any person or entity? If so, should such a person taking anything of value be prosecuted for a felony? Or something like that. How hard is it to no be bought, other than the getting over the nostalgia for the “good old days?”
Dave
August 10th, 2012
5:20 pm
Sorry for the typos, I think faster than I type.
Chappy
August 10th, 2012
6:06 pm
Really think this will stop the actual real business transactions? Those of board appointments, jobs for relatives, business tossed into wife’s accounts, campaign support by loads of distributed gidt accounting, post-govt job positions to take advantage of their social groups… The list goes on.
The REAL money behind being in office compared to trinkets in public view?
Bernie
August 10th, 2012
6:34 pm
You have high hopes for the republicans in the state assembly. Waaayy to high. No ethics until we have a balance of power, we have nearly a one party system in this backwards state. Nothing good will come of it. Vote Democrat if you want to see positive change.
Dave
August 10th, 2012
6:43 pm
Bernie, I’m not a GOP guy; but, the Dems did the same thing for decades. And it isn’t a matter of backwards, it’s politicians thinking, and for the most part given reality, being right about, they are golden no matter what they do. Once they get the golden “seat” they have a ticket to ride.
Predatory Lender
August 10th, 2012
7:05 pm
Can you say D.O.A.? Doesn’t have a chance. Hey, Jim. You laugh’n yet? How ’bout the bill where an adulterer forfeited all assets?
Kris
August 10th, 2012
7:22 pm
How much does it cost the lobbyist to get favors….A private plane ride to a exotic place for the family or companion. How about a job for uncle Festor ETC ETC…. What about doing their JOBS and represent the Citizens that elected them….My bad this is GA last in ethics,EDUCATION AND home FORECLOSURE to name a few that Georgia excels at.
Vote the crooks out, RECALL or IMPEACH the rest!
Just sayin!
Bernie
August 10th, 2012
8:04 pm
Bernie @ 6:34 pm – This is NOT The opinion of words prior to the original BERNIE of
all postings before time 6:34PM…AJC has serious security issues on its BLOGS!
Will in Roswell
August 10th, 2012
8:11 pm
To Road Scholar,
Thanks for your comment on my comment.
Meet in a legislator’s office? Yes, I have done that on occasion, and it is helpful. However, I have found that having a lunch or supper is a much more productive use of my time and that of the legislator. Having someone in my pocket? No. Just common sense conversation.
Bernie
August 10th, 2012
8:14 pm
Will in Roswell @ 8:11 pm – This is example of Georgia Good ole BOY politics works in real time. ACCESS means everything!
Thomas
August 10th, 2012
8:18 pm
Chaos will soon overwhelm the call for public trust!
Kris
August 10th, 2012
9:20 pm
Two East Point residents have filed a lawsuit seeking to remove a small suburb’s mayor from office.
East Point Mayor Earnestine Pittman has violated her oath of office and violated city laws while serving as they city’s part-time mayor. “She goes to an ethics hearing.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/residents-file-lawsuit-remove-east-point-mayor/nQR9L/
This is a start! Food for thought
Dave
August 10th, 2012
9:25 pm
So Will, why not just go “Dutch” same productive use of your and the legislator’s time with “common sense conversation?”