Venable partner, and former Michigan Congressman, Bart Stupak was quoted in a July 29, 2011 Politico article on Sen. Michael Bennet's (D-Colo.) proposed legislation that would ban former members of Congress from becoming lobbyists.
Stupak criticized Bennet's plan as "misplaced," commenting that campaign cash is more likely to significantly influence lawmakers than the act of lobbying. Stupak said, "Lobbyists help members. Any corrupting influence is not coming from individuals giving information…The focus should be on money, not speech, if you’re worried about corrupting influences. Public financing needs to be considered."
Stupak criticized Bennet's plan as "misplaced," commenting that campaign cash is more likely to significantly influence lawmakers than the act of lobbying. Stupak said, "Lobbyists help members. Any corrupting influence is not coming from individuals giving information…The focus should be on money, not speech, if you’re worried about corrupting influences. Public financing needs to be considered."