Naturally, Governor Matt Blunt's Democratic opponents have labeled his announcement Thursday that members of his administration would no longer accept gifts from employees as a desperate measure brought about an FBI investigation into lobbying practices in Missouri.
I prefer to look at it as another step forward and one that should be followed by our state legislators. There is simply no good reason for our senators and representatives to accept anything from lobbyists, whether it be meals, gifts or travel expenses.
Special interests already have a distinct advantage over the ordinary Missourian simply because they have lobbyists to represent their positions in Jefferson City. These people can walk or drive a few blocks and camp out in the legislators' offices. That is enough of an advantage. Gifts are simply unnecessary.
Legislators who suggest that all problems can be solved by more disclosure know full well that the constituents who look through these records are few and far between, and that includes media outlets, as well.
Some of our elected officials seem to believe that they are not paid enough and need these free lunches to get by. Perhaps their legislative pay is not as much as they would like, but it is far more than most of their constituents receive.
You can read more about the governor's ban in Steve Kraske's article in today's Kansas City Star.
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