It seems that North Carolina lawmakers are experiencing premature withdrawal from lobbyist cash. Last month, both chambers of the NC legislature voted overwhelmingly for a sweeping ethics reform package. Under the new laws, lobbyists have to report their expenditures on a monthly basis and are barred from making personal contributions to political campaigns.
Nevertheless, the laws don't go into effect until January 1st, and there's still a little thing called an election in the way. While some lawmakers have pledged to comply with the ethics changes before they become law, many are racing for last-minute checks.
Representative Bruce Goforth (D), for example, has invited lobbyists to his annual "Bruce Goforth for North Carolina House" fundraising golf tournament, which has a minimum admission price of $125. Meanwhile, Rep. Bonner Still (R) has petitioned lobbyists for $1,000 donations in order to compete with a wealthy opponent. Both voted for the ethics changes.
This frenzied rush for campaign cash has caused some, including N.C. Coalition for Lobbying Reform member Chris Fitzsimon, to question the sincerity of the lawmakers' votes:
"If they acknowledge through their vote that raising money through lobbyists is bad," Fitzsimon added, "then it's interesting to see legislators trying to raise as much money as they can before the law changes."
To be sure, the ethics reform package does not proscribe all lobbying activities. Lobbyists will still be able to play a role in NC politics by hosting fundraisers for politicians and advising PACs.
On another note, it has been a pleasure to write for Common Blog. My internship at Common Cause concludes today, and I've enjoyed working for the organization immensely. Keep up the good work!
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