In California, the fine line between government and lobbying is being blurred by a legislative staff migration. California's lobbying corps, caustically referred to as the Third House, is being led by experienced legislative staffers that no longer work in government. Jordan Rau reports in the Los Angeles Times:

Lobbyists can earn double or more what can be made on the public payroll while working on the same legislation they researched as staffers. UC San Diego Professor Thad Kousser says that this is an unwanted effect of term limits giving interest groups "a much more active role in actually drafting the legislation, negotiating the amendments."

There is a one year "cooling off" period in which former staffers have to wait to join a lobbying firm. Nevertheless, the smooth transition from staffer to lobbyist compromises the legislative process because staffers may effectively parlay their job in government into a lucrative career. Of course, this is nothing new, or even unique. Regardless, this is yet another example of the bond between the moneyed interest and government, which is a terrifying connection indeed.

On Friday in Florida, the Republicans effectively won both state legislative houses without the benefit of an election. The candidates who faced no opposition in November instantly won reelection, with 55 of 120 House members and 9 out of 20 state Senate automatically returning. Challengers would rather wait out the eight year term limit until a seat is open than face a well-financed incumbent who has name recognition. From the St. Petersburg Times:

Because of term limits, and the big money granted to incumbents, many Florida voters are left without a choice.