The ethics law has inspired clients to become more involved in political fundraising as well. There are ways that lobbyists legally do give money to legislators, or find a way to get money to legislators. While lobbyists complain about being singled out unfairly by the campaign gift restriction, most don't really mind it. After all, it saves them money. And as long as clients pick up the slack, it doesn't cost the lobbyist any influence.
Legislators are more responsive to their constituents.
Once you understand that, you realize that the most effective way to work a legislator is back home on his own terrain. Meanwhile, lawmakers are increasingly becoming strangers to each other. Freshman lawmakers roomed together at the retreat and got to know each other quite well. These were people who might not otherwise gravitate toward each other or ever get acquainted. That camaraderie is gone now.