The Georgia General Assembly will likely take up legislation to cap or bar gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers next year, says state Sen. Charlie Bethel, R-Dalton.
Bethel told the Dalton Area League of Women Voters on Tuesday that he had already agreed to co-sponsor such legislation in the state Senate.
Bethel said the results of the July 31 primary showed strong support from voters for limiting gifts to lawmakers.
The Republican primary ballot asked voters, “Do you support ending the current practice of unlimited gifts from lobbyists to state legislators by imposing a $100 cap on such gifts?” Statewide, 87.22 percent of Republican voters approved such a cap.
The Democratic ballot asked, “Do you support ending the current practice permitting unlimited gifts from lobbyists to state legislators?” Statewide, 72.56 percent of Democrats voted to limit gifts from lobbyists to legislators.
“I think this shows that voters want us to curb some of the excesses,” Bethel said.
But he warned that limiting gifts from lobbyists is “no silver bullet” that will cure corruption in government. Bethel said those who are truly determined to get around rules will find ways to bend whatever rules are put up. Instead, he said, if voters want honest government they must be vigilant and throw out those lawmakers who are not honest with them.
“The most powerful lobby is still the electorate,” he said.
Bethel briefed League members on the financial reports that Georgia requires those seeking office to fill out as well as the campaign contribution and expenditure reports they must fill out. Bethel noted that candidates are required to itemize campaign contributions and expenditures of at least $100, including of in-kind contributions. But he noted that there are gray areas in the law.
“If a group of kids from my church asks for some of my campaign signs and puts them up, is that an in-kind contribution that must be reported? I could pay someone to put up signs. But we want people to be involved and take part in the political process,” he said.
Local News
August 22, 2012
Bethel says Legislature could limit gifts from lobbyists
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