Hey, I promise that if you elect me to Congress that I won’t ever take language from any lobbyist and use it on the House floor or enter it into the Congressional Record. I can think and speak for myself. In fact, I don’t see much reason to accept advice or even talk to most lobbyists at all. The only exception might be local groups from my home district (concerned citizens) who have banded together over some issue. If I’m going to vote on something I don’t understand that well, I have a staff to help me out. I don’t want them taking talking points from lobbyists. What goes on DC is just a joke.
About The Author

BooMan
Martin Longman a contributing editor at the Washington Monthly. He is also the founder of Booman Tribune and Progress Pond. He has a degree in philosophy from Western Michigan University.
You gots my vote as many times as you need it (go Philly!)
Seriously. I might even move to Philly — if only briefly 😉 — to vote for Booman.
me too (or three).
what did I do with the spacing? – I meant my “me three” as a reply to Corvus
I can’t vote for you but I can send money, no strings attached. Ergo, I am not a part of corporate America.
So, are you running?
They all say that.
Can’t vote for you – but I live close enough to knock on doors for you. And I would.
I think you misread the problem somewhat. The issue is not talking to lobbyists, it’s taking bribes from them. It’s giving them special access based not on what you need to know but how big a bribe they can offer. Lobbyists do know stuff and have viewpoints that could be a value in legislation — whether they represent the Sierra Club or the ACLU or the AMA or the petroleum lobby. How else do you figure out whether they have something to say that’s worth a hearing in committee? How else do you do the winnowing and sifting that’s supposed to be your job — rely on the Post or the Times or CNN?
I think the right approach is making a judgment based on what they know, not on money-bought clout.
Seems to me we need good Senators more, and what about Steven D. There’s a huge vacuum in DC for real Americans and both of you have proven heart.