GOP 'lobbying reform' is a total sham

It would be funny if it weren't so sad. When dealing with Republicans, you always, always, always have to read the fine print.

That "lobbying reform" plan that Hastert announced on Tuesday? Not quite as hard-hitting as he would have us believe.

According to lobbyists and ethics experts, even if Hastert's proposal is enacted, members of Congress and their staffs could still travel the world on an interest group's expense and eat steak on a lobbyist's account at the priciest restaurants in Washington.

The only requirement would be that whenever a lobbyist pays the bill, he or she must also hand the lawmaker a campaign contribution. Then the transaction would be perfectly okay.

Get that? Under this reform measure, the only way that Tom DeLay could have enjoyed golfing at St. Andrews on Abramoff's dime is if Jackie the Hat also forced a check into his hand on the back nine.

Well, there you go. What corrupt Repugnican congressman would be willing to endure that kind of hardship for a round of golf or a free center-cut sirloin? Problem solved!