The Real Game of Shadows

Despite efforts in the General Assembly to curb ethical quandaries that may ensnarl otherwise noble representatives, it looks as though business-as-usual might continue, albeit along a more circuitous route.  As some lawmakers scramble in a last-ditch effort to get donations before the new legislation takes hold, John Hood, in the Charlotte Observer provides a reality check – lobbyists will continue to influence policy.  To some, this isn’t a bad thing at all.  In fact, it can be argued that the powerful voice of a few interested parties is necessary to move policy in the right direction.  A quick review of some of the more dubious distinctions of this year’s Legislature — as Richard Wagner graciously outlines for us in the Topsail Voice, Enquirer-Journal, Kenly News, and Mooresville Tribune — reveal that maybe the public choice theory‘s dirty hand is alive in state politics. As state and local issues tend to be the base of the cresting wave of national politics, and if other states have problems that are no different in kind to the types of problems we’re experiencing at home, then we could be in for an interesting election season.  John gives us some things to ponder, here.