Santorum to Head Lobbyist Reform for GOP

Pennsylvania's own Junior Senator Rick Santorum has taken the lead (along with Senator John McCain) in offering up legislation to curb the influence of lobbyists, following the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal that threatens to ensnare several GOP lawmakers.

The McCain-Santorum legislation would hold lobbyists accountable to present more detailed reports about fundraisers held for policitians and gifts over the amount of $20 given to politicians, as well as ban travel paid for by third parties and lengthen the allowable time period for former Capitol Hill staffers to go into lobbying themselves. Other Republican legislation put forth propose a ban on all meals and travel paid for by lobbyists, unless lobbyists gives the politician a campaign contribution at the same time.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid have put forth their own proposal, the Honest Leadership Act, that would ban all lobbyist-paid travel and gifts, put limits on last-minute spending bill changes, and make changes to the allowable time period for former staffers to become lobbyists. In addition, the proposal calls for increased reporting by lobbyists, changes to the ethical rules specific to the House and Senate, and revisions to governent hiring and contracting processes. In the interim, several politicians have completely banned their staff from accepting lobbyist gifts.

Many are questioning if Senator Santorum is the right face for the GOP to put on lobbyist reform. Santorum has accepted more lobbyist money this election cycle than any other member of Congress and he has been heavily involved with the much criticized K Street Project, a Republican effort to strengthen GOP ties to lobbyists. Jack Abramoff, the indicted lobbyist ready to drop the dime on corrupt politicians, was also involved with the K Street Project.