On Lobbying: Remember the Symmetry!

When it comes to lobbying, there is Supply and Demand. Everyone is good at remembering and complaining about supply, but demand is often forgotten. If small groups can be targeted, then politicians have a strong incentive to use that as a weapon to solicit rents. Politicians want lobbying.

Now, from Yahoo News (HT: KipEsquire):

WASHINGTON – Dozens of current and former corporate executives have a message for Congress: Quit hitting us up for campaign cash.

Roughly 40 executives from companies including Playboy Enterprises, ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's, the Seagram's liquor company, toymaker Hasbro, Delta Airlines and Men's Wearhouse sent a letter to congressional leaders Friday urging them to approve public financing for House and Senate campaigns. They say they are tired of getting fundraising calls from lawmakers — and fear it will only get worse after Thursday's Supreme Court ruling.