Rules panel rejects proposal to ban lobbyists from RNC

CLEVELAND — Lobbyists survived a vote on Thursday that would have banned them from being members of the Republican National Committee.

The Rules Committee, meeting in Cleveland, voted down a measure that would ban lobbyists from being members of the RNC, the 168-member body that comprises three members from each state and is led by chairman Reince Priebus.

The measure failed after Rules Committee members, some of them lobbyists, defended the profession and argued that there is no reason to single out their line of work.

They also argued that the proposal to ban lobbyists from the RNC would rob Republicans of the right to choose who represents them in the national party.

“Lobbyists — in some circles, that isn’t the nicest term, but after reflection, then what?” Illinois committeewoman Demetra Demonte said. “Do we go to lawyers, consultants, campaign managers or elected officials? It’s my belief that this is well-intended but is not practical and will open a Pandora’s Box.” 

Those seeking to ban lobbyists from being RNC members argued it would rid the party of pernicious special interests forces and would put them in line with Donald Trump, the presumptive nominee, who has railed against a “rigged” system.

“There is a real problem with lobbyists … who benefit from their membership on the RNC and make their living — sometimes really good livings — by lobbying and the influence they have as part of our national committee,” said Morton Blackwell, the RNC committeeman from Virginia.

Blackwell asked for a show of hands to find out how many Rules Committee members are lobbyists.

The Rules Committee chairwoman instructed members not to raise their hands, saying the panel rules prohibit straw polls.

“Gee it would have been fun,” Blackwell responded.