Hoosier Lobbying

For the most part, lobbying in Indiana now seems to be less about quid pro quo than it is about finding a soft spot in the heart of a legislator who can help your cause. And while that might not be as sexy as outright corruption, it still gives watchdog groups cause for concern.

Special interests pay handsomely for the chance to put their stamp on Indiana politics. But in 2013, lobbyists themselves spent a comparatively paltry $4,000 on meals, hotel stays, and tickets to events and attractions for individual lawmakers.

Since the General Assembly lowered the daily gift-reporting minimum from $100 to $50 in 2010, steakhouses and other nice restaurants in Indianapolis have noticed a change in the dining habits of legislators.

The lobbying laws used to have loopholes so big you could drive a Brinks truck through them. The process is a lot more transparent than it used to be.