Editorial: Lobbyist training closer to home

Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006 | 7:28 a.m.

As Congress takes a hard look at overhauling the rules and guidelines for what may and may not be accepted from a lobbyist, some states are requiring lobbyists to attend ethics classes.

According to a recent Newhouse News Service story, experts say mandatory training sessions for lobbyists probably won't prevent scandals such as the one emerging around Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. But it can't hurt to remind those who lobby lawmakers what the rules are.

The American League of Lobbyists, based near the nation's capital, is offering a voluntary training program. But states, the group's representatives told Newhouse News, are leading the pack when it comes to mandatory classes.

California, Maryland and West Virginia require that lobbyists attend one-day training sessions that are conducted during each legislative session. Voluntary classes are available in Wisconsin, Kentucky and Colorado. Tennessee lawmakers are discussing the possibility of mandatory ethics classes.

Nevada has no such training, a spokeswoman for the Legislative Counsel Bureau said Wednesday. We think it should be considered.

Lobbying practices have become so broad and so easily corrupted that the best remedy is strict laws and sending people to jail when they violate them. Still, more training on both sides can't hurt.