THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, August 15, 2001
JACKSON - Lobbyists reported spending more than $45,098 on meals, drinks and rounds of golf for key Mississippi legislators during the three-month session that ended in March, documents show.
The Commercial Appeal of Memphis conducted a computer analysis on more than 600 public records to determine how much money is spent to influence state policymaking in Jackson.
Lobbyists reported spending $9,580 during the session that ended in late March on executive branch officials, legislative staff and, in some instances, local officials.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Gordon, D-Okolona, received $2,269 worth of meals during the session, more than any other lawmaker.
"Someone asks me out every night and I try to respond," said Gordon, who defends the dinners as innocent socializing that is too easily characterized as backroom dealing.
"Hardly ever do we talk about issues," Gordon said. "They just want to get to know legislators . . . nobody can buy somebody for a steak supper. It's just comradeship."
Lobbyists reported spending $1,738 on meals for House Speaker Tim Ford, D-Baldwyn. That was the most spent on any House member during the session.
The newspaper's computer-assisted analysis shows that during the session, socializing was concentrated at four of Jackson's most upscale restaurants. Shapley's, Schimmel's, Tico's Steak House and The Parker House took in at least $19,570 from lobbyists' credit cards in just three months.
The activity is disconcerting to some.
"The concern is the very unequal influence . . . almost the luxury of the gifts," said Barbara Powell, a lobbyist with Common Cause/Mississippi, a citizens watchdog organization. "You could go to McDonald's, sit down with a cup of coffee and hamburger and spend 30 minutes (talking to a legislator). A $50 to $75 dinner, it seems that is designed to impress them, or cause gratitude."
Five legislators didn't appear on any lobbyists' disclosure forms as recipients of any private meal or gift. They are Sen. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, and Reps. Tommy Horne I-Meridian; Wanda Jennings, R-Southaven; David Myers, D-McComb; and Greg Snowden, R-Meridian.
The analysis of public records also showed interest groups spent a record $8 million lobbying in Mississippi in 2000. Health care interests spent more than $1 million collectively, more than any other industry or interest group.
Taxpayers paid part of the lobbying tab through groups such as the Mississippi Municipal League.
The state's largest casino, Beau Rivage in Biloxi, reported giving away more than $17,000 worth of free show tickets, complimentary rooms and handling legislative conference fees for both state lawmakers and local Gulf Coast public officials in 2000.