Politicians campaigning for national office play up their hometown roots and vow to represent their districts or states valiantly on Capitol Hill. They sneer at the term “career politician” and promise to return to their states after their public service. You’ve heard the drill. And, 30 years ago, many politicians did indeed return home after their time in Washington. No more - that routine is a rarity, and this week, lawmakers made it clear that the new post-office fantasy is on K Street.

The House Judiciary Committee has being debating a provision in its pending ethics bill to double the time to two years that former lawmakers could lobby their old colleagues. It was quickly defeated. Why? The Washington Post’s Jeffrey H. Birbaum reported that Judiciary Committee Chair John Conyers (D-Mich.)  worried that a two-year lobbying ban would weaken Congress’ push “to attract and retain top-flight staff.” Oh, as in, people come to work on the Hill not just to serve their country but also to build up connections and credentials that would one day make them highly billable on K Street. Got it. Well, thanks for clearing that up. 

From my perspective a two-year so-called “cooling off period” seemed reasonable or maybe I’ve seen that PBS documentary on Jack Abramoff too many times.

Bill Moyers, Capitol Hill, House Judiciary Committee, John Conyers, K Street, lobbying, PBS, The Washington Post