Lobbyists: Writing Bills For Utah’s Democrats Too
Do Lobbyists control the Democrats in Utah too? Unfortunately it looks that way.
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I see little evidence that lobbyists “control” the Republicans or Democrats. Here’s how this likely happened–Steve Barth talked to Dmitrich and explained how this would be good for Park City and good for High West Distillery. If Barth were a master lobbyist he would come prepared with a draft bill–properly formatted like a bill would come back from Utah’s legislative council. To Dmitrich this would be very tempting since he will help High West Distillery and his district at little cost to the state. Best of all, Dmitrich didn’t have to do hardly anything.
I don’t see that as Barth controlling Dmitrich, but rather that Dmitrich was persuased by Barth. High West Distillery might have made a contribution to Dmitrich’s campaign, but what those donations do is made it easier to talk to Dmitrich, not control him.
The above is pure speculation, but I’d bet that’s how it happened. Lobbyists are not the problem. Too much government control of too many things is the problem. If government wasn’t involved in creating handouts, there would be no need for persuasive lobbyists like Barth. But when government takes it upon itself to do everything, including selling and taxing alcohol, there are plenty of opportunities for tomfoolery.
Comment by Daniel — December 28, 2007 @ 11:05 am
After thinking about your post and my comment, I have one question–what should control state legislators?
What principles should control legislators’ actions? Personally, I prefer more personal liberty. I think government should protect “life, liberty, and property.” Government should be a referee for disputes, not a player. Government should not pick winners, like the High West Distillery.
The problem with lobbyists and politicians is what I see as bad incentives. Most politicians think that they must bring home the bacon to their district. Lobbyists provide them with ideas of how to bring home the bacon and make their districts richer.
Sadly there aren’t lobbyists that argue constantly for less government.
Comment by Daniel — December 28, 2007 @ 11:52 am
Dan,
Sorry it took me so long to respond to this thread. I think the sentiment of your second comment is closer to what I was going for in my post.
I think it is likely that Democrats in Utah only argue for less corporate influence over government because they have such a small minority that they get virtually none of the benefits of the constant lobbying efforts lavished on Republicans.
If our government really were tasked only with protecting our life liberty and property there wouldn’t be nearly as many lobbyists.
Thanks for helping me clarify my thoughts! I hope all is well and that you had a great Christmas and New Year!
Comment by Jeremy Manning — January 2, 2008 @ 10:46 am