Electing 'Em To Line Up At The Trough
Naive voters believe politicians run for office to make a difference, and they kinda do -- in the level of luxury in their own lives, in their bottom line, and other self-interested pursuits.

Incoming California lawmakers are being jetted around by lobbyists to places like Hawaii, China, Belize, and New Zealand, and some Democratic ones get the posh treatment in the luxury suite at a Sacramento basketball game, writes Patrick McGreevy in the LAT:

20 legislators jetted off to Hawaii, China, Brazil, New Zealand and other locales -- with some trips paid for in large part by healthcare, energy and communications companies.

"It's the start of lobbyists inculcating them, saying 'Hey guys, line up and receive your gifts,' " said Bob Stern, former chief counsel to the state Fair Political Practices Commission.

It's a new day in Sacramento, with one of the largest-ever freshman classes elected in districts drawn for the first time by an independent, bipartisan commission.

And the lobbying campaign to shape their minds has begun.

The intent of the redistricting -- as well as a rule change that allows lawmakers to serve up to 12 years in either legislative house -- was to make the Capitol more accountable. In theory, the changes would reduce the influence of lobbyists and give lawmakers more time to gain expertise and independence.

But old traditions die hard.

Following the example of veteran legislative leaders, including Assembly Speaker John Pérez (D-Los Angeles), more than a dozen Democratic freshmen headed off to AT&T's suite at the Sleep Train Arena.

Lawmakers are not allowed to take more than $420 in gifts per year, and they are supposed to report what they receive. But sidestepping the rules is hardly a challenge.

The freshmen who joined Pérez didn't have to report the value of their tickets because the gathering was hosted by the state Democratic Party.

Here's a hurl-producing bit from the Maui trip:

In between rounds of golf and poolside lounging, the sponsors talked with lawmakers.

"I was learning about the issues," said Jones-Sawyer, the only freshman on the trip. "There were some things I didn't know -- such as how businesses really need help to flourish here in California."

Clearly, he should have been applying for a job at a car wash, not running for office.