Thursday, 22nd December, 2005
The expression "there is no such thing as a free lunch" has been given a new meaning in Florida. From this week lobbyists are banned from plying lawmakers and officials with food, wine and gifts. Governor Jeb Bush signed the law somewhat surprisingly passed earlier this month by the State Legislature saying: "This is a big deal. The squawking going on right now will subside and people will realize how this is important in an effort to give people a sense of confidence."

The squawking Gov. Bush referred to has come from state capital Tallahassee's corps -- press, lobbyists and affected officials -- as they contemplate the crashing down of what journalist Pamela Hasterok described as "the cozy culture of big money wooing political power." The culture of "money men representing moneymakers entertaining elected power brokers with swank lobster dinners and swish open-bar parties" will end, wrote Hasterok, with "every lawmaker in town ... wondering what they'll do at night next spring."

Florida Governor (and the President's brother) Jeb Bush ends the free lunch.