We Position Our Lobbyists Before the Legislators

What is this, lobbyists buying the lunches for the legislators as the legislators go on break? Lee Davidson's Salt Lake Tribune article today reveals as much.

The luncheons place the lobbyists in a friendly fashion before the legislators at the most opportune of times. They allow the lobbyists to display friendship and good will and camaraderie at the very moment the legislators are considering the lobbyists desires. Influence peddling? This is influence peddling at point of impact, and coming from those who have money. Should we actually have a program that provides lobbyists such access, bringing them to the front of the line, ahead of other citizens, and more or less saying to the lobbyist: "It is you we will allow to extend good will to our legislators at this key time. It is you who will have this moment of impact. Bring your gifts and do well." Perhaps if there is to be a program where as legislators step out to recess, they find themselves greeted by those wanting legislation passed one way or the other, then those waiting to greet them should be the common citizens coming without gifts. 

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/55816272-90/utah-events-legislators-fire.html.csp?page=3