All the discussion in the papers of runaway lobbying followed by calls for limitations will prompt lawmakers to make change.

Nevertheless, it’s a discussion that is being carried out at a surface level.  New reporting thresholds will likely result in more disclosure and limits on gifts could do away with some free tickets to sporting events (don’t these guys ever go the symphony or the opera?) but that ignores the culture that will continue.

For example, lobbyists already get around gift limits by going together and splitting costs on occasion.  Once, recently, when a lobbyist chose to use his own money rather than client funds to avoid a reporting requirement, the folks in the hallway passed the hat to help out.

Lobbyists often entertain lawmakers, not because they need something, but because it shows the people they work for that they are acquiring access.  Likewise, it’s not unheard of for legislators to go to dinner or a ballgame with a lobbyist friend just to create an appearance for the lobbyist’s boss.  Sometimes, lobbyists buy meals and drinks for each other just make use of an unspent lobbying budget.

The problem is not always in the Statehouse.  It’s in society where corporate and public leaders, and even the leaders of charitable organizations think they have to buy access and that if it comes free, it’s not worth as much.

Oh, and by the way, you (no matter who you are) have a lobbyist, and maybe 2 or 3 others, working for you.  I’ll just use myself as an example.  I belong to a church, live in a city, work in an industry, and am active in a couple of charities that all employ lobbyists.