Groups Spend Nearly $195,000 to Wine and Dine Lawmakers

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Groups Spend Nearly $195,000 to Wine and Dine Lawmakers

By Becky Ogann

DES MOINES (AP) - Interest groups, businesses and some government agencies spent nearly $195,000 wining and dining lawmakers during the last legislative session.

That's according to reports filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.

Groups ranging from the Iowa State Bar Association to Union Pacific spent the money on receptions, dinners and other social events.

The reports show 86 events held during the 103-day session.

State ethics and gift laws put a strict limit on the amount that interest groups can spend on individual lawmakers. However, those limits don't apply to events where all legislators are invited.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership was one of the top spenders, shelling out about $10,000 for a party at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.
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Tuesday, Jun 24 at 5:05 PM Old Guy wrote ...

Hmmmm! Just a thought. Just remember lawmakers who is really giving you the cash. And that would be us the tax payers of Iowa not special interest groups. Please spend our money in our best interest not those of special interest. We might just cut back on how much we give next time. then we will see if you can run a state on that little bit of money special interest gives to you as so called gifts. Maybe they could just clean up their public polution some.......Hugh......

Tuesday, Jun 24 at 5:08 PM This bites wrote ...

Is this not bribes that they are taking???? Something is very wrong here. So if i want something like a law changed in my favor all's i have to do is bribe the lawmakers in Iowa???? Wow who would of thought that. Sounds like big business is in bed with the state law makers.... Not good Iowans

Tuesday, Jun 24 at 5:36 PM it happens wrote ...

Unfortunatley this happens. George Carlin said the government is actually the rich businessmen running our lives, not the laws. Makes sense when you think about it.

Thursday, Jun 26 at 8:07 PM tony wrote ...

gee only 195 k some one is holding back here must be pbj s , a cookie and bottled water the rest well maybe bribe money

Saturday, Jun 28 at 7:43 PM i c wrote ...

how is this news? to me it seems that corruption is getting worst and worst and the public is just learning to accept it as a way of life.... (not good)

Sunday, Jun 29 at 11:32 AM Mr. Speaks Goodly wrote ...

Actually, i c, it appears that it's your grammar that is getting "worst and worst".

Sunday, Jun 29 at 2:03 PM Mr Ivan wrote ...

its all good, as if you wouldn't be wined and dined for showing up to an event, lawmakers are accountable for their actions and if thier decisions are not being influenced by the hosts why not live a little. Please don't be so self righteous to say you wouldn't do it. I say LAW MAKERS HAVE FUN YOU DESERVE TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN The Law makers have to listen to the interest groups anyway why not make it a nice place to hear them out Please, this is not corruption

Sunday, Jun 29 at 10:21 PM let them have fun wrote ...

sounds like they had a good time...they deserve that too...

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