Easing rules on lobbyists a bad idea

A good editorial from the Herald-Leader:

(John Schickel) and two Libertarian hopefuls filed suit in federal court challenging the restrictions on lobbyists' giving and a $1,000 limit on campaign contributions by others.

...Money, gifts, favors, trips all create obligations that can lead to "moral predicaments" that in turn can mean legislation that favors a well-heeled few over the rest of us.

...It's remarkable that a legislator is willing to argue that paying his own way for private entertainment or striking a few people from his list of campaign contributors is too great a price to ensure at least the appearance of an untainted legislative process.