EDITORIAL: Money, access and power

The Journal Gazette

No such thing as a free lunch? The adage is accepted everywhere but the Indiana General Assembly, where lawmakers insist they can accept a free lunch - and dinner, golf, a luxury suite at sporting events, resort travel and more - with no expectations attached.

Hoosier voters know better. The gifts come from groups and industries with deep pockets and an enduring interest in influencing public policy. They buy access not available to the general public, allowing special interests to exert undue influence over laws that affect us all.