Because of the Legislature’s failure to act this year, political favors and gifts for elected officials remain acceptable, even customary. It’s still perfectly legal to ply Idaho politicians with lavish gifts. You are only limited by your imagination to give and possibly get. And why not be imaginative, especially when you’re hoping to ingratiate yourself in advance of some future need? Perhaps one day you will need a special tax break. Or maybe you’d like to regulate your competition out of existence. Are such economic prizes worth the return on the investment of buying a legislator and his or her family a luxury vacation? Certainly. How about some jewelry, or an expensive bottle of wine? Why not! The latest electronics? Dream big, because there’s nothing stopping ya. And for elected officials, why not ask for stuff — including a job? More on that in a moment/Wayne Hoffman, Idaho Freedom Foundation. More here.

Thoughts?