If the lobbyists Kentucky's colleges and universities are being forced to hire only provided tips and advice, that would be one thing. But they apparently are peddling access and influence, too.
Consider a contract proposal made to Morehead State University by Roll Call Strategies, a firm recently founded by Jeff Speaks (a former aide to House Appropriations Committee power Hal Rogers) and John McCarthy (past head of the state Republican Party and onetime aide to Gov. Ernie Fletcher).
The two promised, according to a Lexington Herald-Leader story, that Morehead would get face-to-face meetings with members of Kentucky's congressional delegation and appropriations bigwigs. Who can deliver that without access and influence?
Tax-supported schools should not have to waste badly needed money on what Mr. Beliles calls "revolving-door lobbyists" just to get a hearing from the supposed public servants who are already being paid to look out for Kentucky.
more:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050726/OPINION01/507260341
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