Comments on: Baker Passes Go, Collects $1 Million

By: Wizbang Politics

Wizbang Politics — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:05:35 +0000

Richard Baker to leave Congress February 6th...

The Republican, who respresented the LA 6th district for 22 years is just following the money. WASHINGTON - The dean of Louisiana's congressional delegation, Rep. Richard Baker, has decided to......

By: Dave Schuler

Dave Schuler — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:02:12 +0000

I think that people should have a right to try to make as much money as they care to or, as James put it, “as they can with their skill sets”. Just not in the public sector or leveraging the contacts they made in the public sector into a cushy job getting a paycheck he probably couldn't have earned without his Congressional experience.

That's not just the appearance of impropriety it's actually improper just as my interviewing with other companies during company time while taking a paycheck from my current employer would be improper.

If this is what retired Congressman do what, precisely, is the argument in favor of pensions for retired Congressmen?

By: Triumph

Triumph — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:28:45 +0000

It's based on keywords, though, and I don't see much overlap.

Ahh..that makes sense. The Zambrano story quotes Dusty Baker, the former Cubs manager.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:16:43 +0000

Could you tell me how a two year old story about Carlos Zambrano's elbow is "related" to a retiring Congressman?

I don't write the software! It's based on keywords, though, and I don't see much overlap. A weird one, especially since there a tons of Congress posts on OTB.

By: Triumph

Triumph — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:14:06 +0000

Related Stories:

....
o Cubs Pitcher Instructed to Limit Computer Time

Could you tell me how a two year old story about Carlos Zambrano's elbow is "related" to a retiring Congressman?

By: Chris Lawrence

Chris Lawrence — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:12:00 +0000

The usual "plan B" for non-lobbyist Congresscritters of any repute is a sinecure as a political science professor or university president. Personally, I'd rather they go and become lobbyists, but maybe that's my self-interest speaking :)

By: Steve Plunk

Steve Plunk — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:58:30 +0000

I have to go with Dave on this. There are other jobs available where the appearance of impropriety is avoided. Many professions have ethical standards where even that appearance is considered an ethical lapse. The problem is it damages the reputation of the profession.

Congress needs to make that connection and tighten up the laws concerning lobbying by ex-members. Sometimes the integrity and reputation of the body is more important than the ex-members ability to make the big bucks. Those going in would know the restrictions and decide whether is worth it or not.

By: Boyd

Boyd — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:35:58 +0000

Well sure, I suppose he could probably sling burgers, but it's more likely that he would take a job that's someone related to the one he's been doing for the past 22 years.

While I hate to give a Congressman a break (especially one from a state with such a sterling reputation as Louisiana), it's more complicated than you imply, Dave.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:33:06 +0000

Aren't there job alternatives other than Congressman and lobbyist? Aren't people who earn less than Congressmen (and a lot less than lobbyists) earning a living?

Sure. But people have a reasonable interest in earning as much money as they can from their skill sets. Two decades in Congress give a high degree of marketable public policy expertise and I don't mind them cashing in on it. There ought to be some way to do that other than lobbying Congress, though.

By: Dave Schuler

Dave Schuler — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:08:58 +0000

One doesn’t want to unduly burden public service by denying people an ability making a living once they leave office.

Aren't there job alternatives other than Congressman and lobbyist? Aren't people who earn less than Congressmen (and a lot less than lobbyists) earning a living?

Stuff like this supports the claim that the only reasons to seek elective office are money and power.