Franken: lifetime ban on lobbying for ex-lawmakers

[DogPoundPup]

candidate Al Franken is proposing a lifetime ban on lobbying by former members of Congress.

Franken says in a TV ad unveiled this week that he'll fight for such a ban if he's elected. Current law calls for a one-year ban for former House members and a two-year ban for former senators.

In the ad, Franken says that hundreds of former members lobby for "big oil and special interests," and claims that's one reason gas is so expensive.

In an interview, Franken says he's pushing the idea because Washington "isn't working" for middle-class and working-class Minnesota families.

Franken's campaign says the ad will run in several markets for several weeks. The campaign won't divulge the cost, except to say it's a six-figure number.
http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_9851282

Franken will make a terriffic addition to the U.S.Senate!

[groovedaddy]

1. I'd vote for that...slam shut the revolving door! n.t

[JFN1]

2. Its a good start

[polichick]

3. He's absolutely right - it's absurd that Americans have allowed it!

[TexasObserver]

4. Absolutely. No cross over!!

Make them go back home and live with the messes they've made.

[redqueen]

5. Nice!

Have any other lawmakers tried this before?

[tanyev]

6. Ha! Pass something like that and the GOP won't be able to find

anyone who wants to run for office.

[Zodiak]

11. Which makes it 1000X times a good idea!

It would eat the Republcans alive...all that would be left are the libertarian Ron Paul types, and we can talk to them half of the time (the other half we can't...LOL).

[Eric J in MN]

7. Donate!

http://www.alfranken.com

[Flying Dream Blues]

17. Thanks for the link...I just donated, and just to encourage others, I'm not from MN. nt

[Eric J in MN]

20. Thanks for your help. NT

NT

[Warren Stupidity]

8. its a start

I'd settle for ten years. Also it should include other revolving door corruption such as the defense industry and the pentagon.

[jakem]

9. hmm. passing would required lawmakers acting in the public interest...

nice idea, but i don't see it happening...

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. Would sure be a tough sell

[nels25]

10. Works For Me!!!

:toast: :dem: :loveya:

[Lorien]

12. That's an idea I'll get behind! n/t

[tridim]

13. This is a very good idea..

Since I'm sure lots of politicians use their run for office specifically as their internship for their lobbying career. The more they grease the wheels while in office, the more they make on K-Street.

[robinlynne]

14. YES!

[That Is Quite Enough]

16. Franken is going to make a great addition to Congress. Please elect him, Minnesota.

[Runcible Spoon]

18. GO FRANKEN!

and thanks for giving visibility to this issue!:headbang:

[JDPriestly]

19. I'm 100% with Franken on this. Great idea.

[OneBlueSky]

21. great idea . . . unfortunately, to enact it will require a vote of Congress . . .

and our dear Congresscritters and Senators, devoted as they are to advancing the public good, will never in a million years vote to shut down their own gravy train . . . or kill their own golden goose . . . or . . . well, you get the idea . . .