Star: Tilley bill "paper[s] over the main problem— unlimited campaign cash"

In today's Star:

Beware of bills that claim to be ethics reform but which paper over the main problem — unlimited campaign cash.

One of those is the bill filed by Republican Steve Tilley, of Perryville, Mo., who is in line to become House speaker next year.

Among other things, his bill would prohibit lawmakers from accepting meals and gifts from lobbyists.

But Tilley, who until recently was a close associate of [disgraced former Speaker Rod] Jetton’s, is opposed to capping campaign contributions.

It’s true that many lawmakers have been shameless about accepting meals, gifts and trips from lobbyists. Some restrictions would be good. But one wonders why a legislative leader would be bothered by a $15 lunch tab and not a $100,000 contribution.

This mid-December post speculates about the dangers of $20 meals as they relate to $100,000 campaign contributions -- but the point is pretty much the same.