Idaho’s lobbying tainted (again) by bribe (kinda)
January 20, 2009
The Statesman’s Dan Popkey reports that the realtors’ lobby pulled a sizable, pledged contribution from a candidate who voted contrary to the realtors’ wishes. The good side of this story is the candidate, Joan Cloonan, worked in the light, not in the dark alley where the lobbyists are often found. She reported it to the Attorney General’s office and also consulted other legislators.
More good news is that Representative Raul Labrador is “drafting a bill” to make such an action a felony.
Indicating support for such action from the Senate is Senator Kate Kelly who for years now has been attempting to reform ethics in our legislature. She refers to the present law as “pretty toothless.”
Hopefully, Rep. Labrador will deliver a bill that will give our state some teeth.
