Despite Opposition by Legislative Leaders, Ethics Reform Makes Headway at State GOP Convention

State Senator Josh McKoon, who tried and failed to pass a $100 cap on lobbyist gifts last session, says the message is clear.

“I think the fact that the executive committee of the state Republican party voted to put this question on the ballot indicates where the party is on this issue.”

Georgia law states that lobbyists must disclose donations to lawmakers. However, Georgia is one of three states in the country with no limits on gift-giving.

A coalition of groups that includes the Tea Party and Common Cause have joined together to push for a gift cap.

Tea Party state director Julianne Thompson says the push for ethics reform is striking a chord, particularly among Republicans.

“Thirty-one conservative groups from across the conservative spectrum which includes Georgia Right To Life, Georgia Conservatives In Action, Eagle Forum, and others all support ethics reform and who have partnered with us.”

But those efforts have ruffled the feathers of some of state’s most powerful Republicans.  

At the convention, House Speaker David Ralston appeared to call out the Tea Party for joining with non-conservative groups on the issue, saying it threatened to divide the party.

After several conservative groups condemned the comments, Ralston has since clarified that his remarks weren’t specifically directed to the Tea Party, although he still insists some Republicans are making “unwise” choices by aligning with the ethics coalition.

“What I was trying to do was basically say we stay united best when we work together as Republicans as opposed to affiliating with groups that really don’t have the best interests of the party at heart.”

Ralston has long held the position that disclosure is most important. He has stated a gift cap would not be effective in halting the flow of money to lawmakers, saying lobbyists would finds ways around a ban.