From Saturday’s Argus Leader:
South Dakota Secretary of State Jason Gant, who is the state’s official record keeper, says he’s already on the issue and hopes to create an online filing system for lobbyists and put the information in a searchable online database for the public.
“Lobbying is a great way for legislators to become informed about issues, and they do rely on them quite a bit. It’s important to understand which interests are trying to influence the legislation,” Quist said.
There alot of bills that get put in the hopper every year, I can see how lobbying can help legislators understand who will benfit or suffer from any bill.
This on-line, searchable database to be open to the public can only help the process. It is always good to know who supports what.
There is this near the end of the article
(Lawyer Dick) Gregorson likes the idea of online information for the public and that the database will save time for the Secretary of State’s office. He is more concerned that the state is not outlawing political contributions from lobbyists to legislators.
What contributions are we talking about here? Gifts to legislators while the legilature is in session or even out of session? Campaign contributions? Hosting a dinner during the legislative session?
I have to wonder how much power do lobbyists yeild in the legislture, compare to the average citizen or even a elected legislator.