http://themoderatevoice.disqus.com/enThu, 22 May 2008 01:44:20 -0000http://themoderatevoice.com/at-tmv/newsweek-blogitics/19811/in-defense-of-lobbyists/#comment-508525<p>It's not the lobbyists that cause the problem per se. It's the suspicions aroused about what they get in return for giving time, advice or money to an election campaign. Suspicions may be totally groundless, as you point out, but they can't be easlly assuaged. That's why the appearenace of impropriety is often stressed nearly as much as actual mpropritety. when a code of conduct is being developed.</p><p>It's not about being fair or unfair to certain individuals. It's about preserving the honor of an office, or, like in this case, trust in elections and politics.</p><p></p>runasimThu, 22 May 2008 01:44:20 -0000