Voters gave overwhelming bipartisan support Tuesday to the idea of capping lobbyists' gifts to state lawmakers.
The result boosted proponents' hopes of passing legislation next year to put just such a cap in place, despite opposition from some of the state's top lawmakers.
Primary ballots for both Republicans and Democrats included a nonbinding question about ending unlimited spending by lobbyists on gifts.
No cap exists currently for the Georgia Legislature. Lobbyists spend about $1.6 million a year, mostly on food, trips and event tickets for lawmakers, drawing the ire of a disparate and vocal alliance of groups that include Common Cause Georgia, Georgia Watch and the Georgia Tea Party Patriots.
The groups, which are quick to note Georgia is among only three states with no limits on lobbyists' gifts, have pushed for a $100 gift cap among other reforms. Bills introduced as recently as this year, however, failed for lack of support among more influential political leaders.
Those leaders, including House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, have said Georgia has strong disclosure laws and that voters are the ultimate judge, making a cap unnecessary.
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