House speaker looks to ban lobbyists for vulgar behaviour
Topeka — Friday, the Speaker of the Kansas House had plenty to say about Thursday's outburst from union members during the vote on House Bill 2130.
Speaker Mike O'Neal is considering banning union lobbyists after reports of vulgar behavior on the part of lobbyists and union members at the Statehouse Thursday.
"I can tell you that I have now verified from at least six individuals the use of profanity that was so strenuously denied. Beyond the sexually explicit things, the intimidation and telling people that you will vote a certain way is very close to crossing the line on what appropriate lobbying is," says O'Neal.
Meanwhile, union members went back to the Statehouse, this time to respond to the allegations of inappropriate behavior.
"The three of us were in different locations - never heard it. And I would think that if it was going on, one of the three of us at least heard something and if they can't prove something was said. I can't believe something was said," says Judy Pierce, Machinists Union, District 70.
http://www.ktka.com/news/2011/feb/25/house-speaker-looks-ban-lobbyists-vulgar-behaviour/