For Sale (the Indiana Gen'l Assembly) (Nuvo, 3/2/05)

[hippiechick]

http://www.nuvo.net/archive/2005/03/02/for_sale.html

How special interest groups get their money's worth in the Indiana General Assembly
Laura McPhee

In every case there are variables. Perhaps the exchange happens in a dark alley. Maybe it takes place by U.S. mail. Probably it goes down in an office. Most likely behind closed doors.

Perhaps the exchange includes a few words. Maybe there’s a wink. Probably there’s a handshake. Most definitely there’s an implicit understanding.

In every case there are certainties.

The amount of money exchanged is substantial.

The giver of the money has a vested, let’s say “special,” interest.
The taker of the money is a member of the Indiana General Assembly.
In other professions it’s known as graft.

In other states it’s considered a felony.

But in Indiana it’s standard operating procedure — and it’s perfectly legal.

That’s because, with very few exceptions, Indiana law allows any group or individual to give an unlimited amount of money to any candidate running for a seat in the Senate or House of Representatives.


more ....

[Voltaire]

1. The Worst Legislature Money Can Buy

How I miss Harrison Ullman.

[hippiechick]

2. Well, start writing & submitting your articles ...

... methinks there lies an opportunity ...

[SpeedwayDemocrat]

3. Harry used to say that

the only way to affect change was from the inside; why not run for office? Definitely write and submit your articles to NUVO, as we can't have enough free thinkers in Indiana!

[hippiechick]

4. Hey SpeedwayDem !

:hi: You're closing in on the magic number !! :thumbsup: