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Vote creates new pressure for Georgia lobbying cap
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ATLANTA — When House Speaker David Ralston traveled with his family and chief of staff to Europe, a lobbyist picked up the $15,000 tab for their air and train fare.Senate President Tommie Williams had a lobbyist pick up $5,000 in golfing fees when he teed off at a resort on the Georgia coast.While the two apparently had no problem accepting the gifts, their constituents appear less than happy with the no-limit spending on state lawmakers. More than 81 percent of voters in the Republican and Democratic primary elections Tuesday supported putting some kind of restrictions on the gifts that lawmakers can receive.Still, it remains to be seen if popular support registered in nonbinding ballot questions goads lawmakers to set restrictions when the General Assembly reconvenes next year.Georgia is among a minority of states that permit lobbyists to give as much as they want to lawmakers. In theory, a lobbyist could park a brand new sports car in a lawmaker’s driveway and hand over the keys if the gift was properly disclosed.Sen. Joshua McKoon, R-Columbus, said he intends to file legislation next year that would set a cap after his attempt failed this year.