Bill Halter, Blanche Lincoln's Primary Opponent, Promises Never To Become A Lobbyist

[yurbud]

Source: Huffington Post

Bill Halter, the lieutenant governor campaigning against Sen. Blanche Lincoln in the Arkansas Democratic primary, announced Tuesday that he has never been a lobbyist and that he will never become a lobbyist.

"The revolving door used by lobbyists and legislators only serves to fill the pockets of special interests while ignoring the needs of Arkansas families," said Halter in a statement from his campaign. "During my career I've worked in both the private sector and public service. After completing a stint in public service, I have never become a lobbyist and I never will. When so many public officials move from their positions directly into lobbyist positions, it undermines public confidence in our government."

Indeed, many politicians go on to become lobbyists. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, more than 300 former members of Congress have become lobbyists or taken similar jobs in recent years. It's an easy way to make a huge pile of money at the end of a political career.

Last week, freshman Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Col.) proposed measures that, among other things, will prohibit a member of Congress from ever becoming a lobbyist. (Bennet himself did not promise to avoid the influence industry.)

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/09/bill-halter-blanche-linco_n_492127.html

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I doubt that Blanche Lincoln or any other corporate boot lick DLCer or Blue Dog would say this.

This should be a standard question for candidates from now on.

[DeSwiss]

1. K&R

- Bye-bye Bitch Blanche.

[laughingliberal]

2. Now, if he promises never to blow a lobbyist, he's miles ahead of the current crop.

I really like this guy! And I really hope he makes Blanchie a private citizen, again.

[Supersedeas]

9. Ouch!

[Hardrada]

3. How about senatorial wives like the multi-millionaire Ruth Harkin?

[yurbud]

4. did she get that as a lobbyist, CEO, or corporate board member after her husband got elected?

[Hardrada]

7. Corporate board member, various corporations.

Before all of that she had a government job in the Clinton administration while her husband was seantor but only got into the real trough after her gov. job. Most senator's wives are not so avaricious.

[Vidar]

5. Good for Halter.

[Arkana]

6. I'll say this for Halter--he's hitting all the G-spots.

[yurbud]

8. Halter POLL:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7890304