In other words, I would open the government to public scrutiny, demand accountability, and redress any ethical lapses quickly. It can't be denied that lobbyists are an essential part of the legislative process. However, they don't have to wine and dine legislators to provide that information. With the same people running Annapolis for the past 30 years, an old-boy network has evolved. Gerard Evans, a prominent Annapolis lobbyist, testified that lobbyists often receive business from legislators who refer clients to them.
Some lobbyists are also instrumental in raising funds for legislators from their clients.
The time has come to replace the cozy clique in Annapolis with thoughtful, concerned individuals who will represent the interests of Maryland citizens, not special interests or their own political interests. As governor, I would support legislation that bans the wining and dining that currently plagues the political process. Despite the progress that has been made, the best type of reform is to elect people with unquestionable integrity. Citizens need to take control of their own destiny and put honest, trustworthy people in Annapolis. It's the people's government, not the special interests'.