Lobbyist contributions must be stopped

Re “GOP Puts Lobbying Scandal in Bull’s-Eye,” Jan. 9

The corrupting influence of lobbyists must not be just phased out, it must be stopped dead in its tracks if we are to return to a representative democracy. It must become unlawful for a member of Congress to accept, and lobbyists to offer, anything of value directly or indirectly to the benefit of a member of Congress -- not a dime’s worth.

However, a member of Congress may invite to his/her office -- on the record -- a representative of any entity in order for the congressperson to gain information that pertains to pending legislation. A member of Congress must serve one and only one interest and that is his/her constituency.

BERT EIFER

Woodland Hills