Speed-dating your lawmaker

Deseret Morning News editorial
Published: Monday, Jan. 9, 2006 9:28 a.m. MST
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Most Utahns understand that moneyed lobbyists carry great weight at the state Capitol. But when Republican lawmakers decided to make a spectacle of it last week by holding a fund-raiser in the style of a trendy "speed-dating" session, that was a bit much.

Several lawmakers have wondered why this event generated what little media attention it received. The answers should be obvious.

First, of course, was that it used a style made popular by the singles' scene. That brings to mind all kinds of comparisons that put the wooing of lawmakers by lobbyists in a less-than-flattering light.

Second is the fact that Utah's lawmakers continue to resist any move toward meaningful lobby reforms. Gift-giving limits in this state include huge loopholes that leave many gifts unreported. At a time when many GOP members of Congress are under scrutiny in a brewing lobbying scandal in Washington, a $100-per-person "speed-dating" fund-raiser is bound to get attention.

Third, the message at this event was clear — it was for registered lobbyists, not the public. Members of the public shouldn't expect to be able to walk into a fund-raiser any time they wish, but the people who could tell the public what was happening — reporters — were not allowed to enter unless they paid $22. As news agencies do not wish to compromise their political independence by contributing to a political party, reporters didn't pay the fee. This, too, raises interest in what went on.

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No one should be naive about this. The speed-dating evening was not that much different from other fund-raising events. Both parties hold these. They golf or bowl or listen to speakers and eat dinner. Usually, the entry fee is a high price tag. Money, like it or not, is essential to the political process. Politicians and political parties need it in order to conduct campaigns. Lobbyists understand they can gain influence by providing it.

That system is not inherently bad. But without strict ethical rules, it can get out of hand, and it can damage the faith of an already apathetic electorate.

That electorate should expect that lawmakers can't turn around and become lobbyists as soon as they leave office. They should expect a tough limit on all gifts, even so-called intangibles.

The speed-dating event was not, in and of itself, much different from any other fund-raiser. But it drew attention to all these problems.

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