Times editorial: Ban leadership funds

Today's New York Times features an editorial calling for an end to the so-called "leadership" PACS established by members of Congress to sock away more money from lobbyists:

Critics in Congress know the free-flowing PACs, as the next big scandal waiting in the wings, should be banned under campaign finance law. The leaders of the House Democratic campaign committee, in fact, have already canceled the committee’s annual ski weekend for lobbyists. Members should follow suit and ban the grossly misnamed leadership PACs as a step toward serious campaign finance reform. "Only a moron would sell a vote for a $2,000 contribution," said one typical House member preoccupied with fund-raising. The comment unfortunately raises the question of what more tempting price might eventually emerge.

The June 27, 2006, Turner Report featured information on how Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt uses his "Rely on Your Beliefs" PAC to squeeze money out of lobbyists:

Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt appears to have no concerns about calls for reform in Washington. D. C. Documents filed with the Federal Election Commission by the congressman's Rely on Your Beliefs PAC showed that out of $45,500 in individual contributions the PAC received in May, more than $40,000 came from lobbyists.