Oregon Public Broadcasting

Lobbyists in Oregon are howling over a relatively new law that limits how much money they can spend to wine and dine lawmakers.

They made their case against the law to the Oregon Supreme Court Thursday. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Oregon is one of the least restrictive states when it comes to campaign contributions. But in 2007 lawmakers approved strict limits on gifts such as trips, game tickets, and expensive meals.

Lobbyists complain the law violates the state's constitutional protection of free speech. The lobbyist bringing the case, Fred VanNatta, says taking lawmakers out to eat is a form of expression.

Fred VanNatta: “It is an excellent way to impart information. And the meal is as important a part as what they are told. It is clearly a part of protected expression.”

Oregon Department of Justice attorney Anna Marie Joyce countered that unlike campaign contributions, lawmakers benefit personally from gifts.

The justices did not indicate when they would make a ruling in the case.

Onliine:

Oregon Supreme Court