Boehner pledges end to "K Street Project"

Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) announced Thursday that he would dissolve any semblance of the Republican-friendly K Street Project if he succeeds Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) as majority leader. The announcement follows a string of press reports questioning the close ties Boehner and his opponent, Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), have with lobbyists in Washington. "If I am elected Majority Leader, there will no longer be a 'K Street project,' or anything else like it," Boehner said in a statement. Blunt said he too would dismantle the K Street Project if elected. "Congressman Blunt agrees with Congressman Boehner's declaration," said Blunt spokeswoman Jessica Boulanger, adding that Blunt is publicly supportive of House Speaker Dennis Hastert's (R-Ill.) lobbying reform proposals, which could include a ban on privately-funded travel. Blunt and Boehner both issued separate suggestions Wednesday to expand the rules governing lawmaker interactions with lobbyists and the financing of campaigns and trips by lobbyists, non-profits and private businesses.