contolling lobbyists

[Susan Marano <marano_s@hotmail.com>]

As a League of Women Voters member, I know the importance of lobbying for issues and legislation that are important to a group.  The problem lies when one particular groups's concerns override the concerns and interests of the majority.  I look at the NRA and the tobacco companies as prime examples.  These groups certainly has the right to lobby for the legislation they want.  However, when their is combined lobbying with huge campaign contributions, undue influence is created.  Once again the issue is controlling campaign financing.  Lobbying is an effective way of letting our legislators know a group's concerns and wishes.  But allowing a group to donate hug sums of money to a campaign verges on bribery!