Talk to Power continued…

Talk to Power host Judy Woodruff interviewed Senator Thad Cochran in November of 2007 in response to hundreds of questions and comments from Yahoo readers.  Several topics were addressed. Today, the topic we are featuring is Senator Cochran’s view on Lobbying Reform. Click here to read the previous topic, “The State of Education.”

Lobbying Reform

MS. WOODRUFF:  And, Senator, a final question.  This reader writes:  “Senator Cochran - I am a registered Republican and a conservative of the Newt Gingrich house.  I believe my party has lost its direction as indicated by the blue dog vote going to the Democratic Party in the off year.  I believe many things have helped sway the vote. Among the one I am most concerned about is the influence peddling that continues to this day in the House and Senate.  When are we as citizens of the U.S. going to see constructive reform and an end to lobbies giving both the House and Senate money and perks to influence your votes on bills?”

SEN. COCHRAN:  Well, I think we’re making some progress in this area too, particularly with disclosure.  You know, when I was first elected, it was the first year, in 1972, when I was elected to Congress, you had to report contributions.  There were limits on contributions that could be received in dollar amounts from individuals and also from political action committees or organizations, who were, who were organized to try to be an influence in communicating with elected representatives in Congress.

This was something brand new, and it has been refined, it has been improved, it has, I think, evolved to the point now where if you want to know who’s supporting a candidate, you can get a copy of a financial disclosure report that’ll tell you where the money’s coming from and who’s getting it, who they are.  These are all - there are no secret, under-the-table contributions.  If they are, they’re against the law, and you’ll get caught and get sent to jail. 

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Senator Cochran plans to speak at the MDOT dedication ceremony honoring Dr. Gilbert R. Mason on Saturday.  A portion of U.S. Highway 90 will be dedicated to Dr. Mason, a noted civil rights leader on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  Dr. Gilbert Mason was a dedicated physician who worked tirelessly to promote equality and to provide quality healthcare to all Mississippians no matter racial or ethnic background. 

Michael Janus, State Representative and South Mississippi Field Rep. for Cochran, will also speak at the ceremony.  Janus played a significant role in helping pass legislation to designate the portion of Highway 90 to honor Dr. Mason.  Read House Bill 207 below.

Dr. Gilbert R. Mason, Sr.

In the 2008 session of the Mississippi Legislature, House Bill 207 was passed designating a portion of U.S. Highway 90 as “Dr. Gilbert R. Mason Sr. Memorial Highway.”

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) That portion of U.S. Highway 90 in the city of Biloxi beginning at Rodenberg Avenue and extending easterly to Porter Avenue, is designated and shall be known as the “Dr. Gilbert R. Mason, Sr., Memorial Highway.”
(2) The Mississippi Department of Transportation shall erect and maintain appropriate signs along and approaching the segment of highway described in subsection (1) of this section.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.