We read how Gov. Herbert held a meeting with lobbyists, inviting them to donate to his campaign. He has been roundly criticized for doing so. But, how far does it drift from what is done by all the candidates? If the news stories are giving us the correct impression, Herbert just invited lobbyists, as opposed to potential donors in general. But, even when you have $500-a-plate fundraisers, as many candidates do, the money is often coming from those who want political favors. If what Herbert is doing is wrong, how is that so different, and shouldn't we see that the whole system is wrong?
Still, it does bother me if Gov. Herbert chose just to invite lobbyists, for he had to realize everyone of them is looking for a favor. I wish the news coverage told us whether the lobbyists at the meeting were pitching things they would like to see happen. I wonder how often at normal fundraisers, the donors pitch things they would like to see happen. Should that be illegal? Is it legal? It should be, if it is not already.
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