Queueing for Concert Tickets? No, Congress

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Passers-by might think that the people camped out at dawn to ensure a seat in a Congressional committee hearing are a shining example of democracy in action. In fact, chances are that they are a perfect example of what's wrong with our democracy. They may be professional "line standers" -- people who get paid by lobbyists to arrive early and hold a place in line for industry reps that arrive just before the hearing starts. Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri finds the practice offensive, and wants to crack down. "'Once I realized this was happening, I was really offended,' she told reporters outside the hearing room. 'This is the people's government and these should be the people's hearings. I have no problem with lobbyists getting into hearings, but they shouldn't be able to buy a seat.'" Her solution is to introduce legislation that would levy the same fines for hiring line standers that a lobby firm risks by, say, buying a Congressperson an expensive dinner. "I think America believes that money runs this place, and unfortunately, I think sometime it does," McCaskill said. "I think this is a great way for us to put our foot down."