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the wrongdoing and corruption we read about in some other states.
Indictment of public officials for criminal violations has occurred fairly routinely over the years in such states as New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and others. There have been reports of lobbyists handing sackfuls of cold cash to elected public officials in some places.
Powerful lobbyists do, indeed, play a big role in influencing the course of legislation that comes before the Virginia General Assembly, make no mistake about it. I have seen many of them in action and they make their marks through such legal activities as campaign contributions, pressure from organization members, fancy events at which politicians can be wined and dined.
But if it has happened, I cannot remember instances in Virginia that resulted in accusations against lobbyists of making blatant payoffs to public officials.
It is true there have been several borderline incidents, one involving a now defunct home loan company some years ago that may have had a suspiciously cozy relationship with a couple of legislators who are no longer around. Criminal charges were dismissed, although at least one of the
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