EV...:

House Approves Stricter Lobbying Limits (CHARLES BABINGTON, 5/25/07, Associated Press)

Top Democrats had a few minor setbacks when several freshman joined most Republicans in approving proposals that Democratic leaders initially opposed.

One item, offered by Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, would require disclosure of lobbyists' bundled donations not only to individuals but also to political action committees, or PACs.

Democrats receive more PAC money than do Republicans, said Smith, who called the omission of bundled PAC donations a loophole ``big enough to ride a Democratic donkey through.''

Also added to the broader bill was a GOP amendment to apply the disclosure requirements to lobbyists for public universities and state and local governments.

The House earlier had changed its rules to bar members and employees from accepting gifts, meals or trips from most lobbyists. A Republican proposal Thursday would extend that ban to state and local government lobbyists.

Democrats are apparently learning to love getting rolled by the GOP.

Posted by Orrin Judd at May 24, 2007 8:31 PM