News Release

Delaware US Senate Candidate Chris Coons Proposes Lifetime Ban on Senator Turned Lobbyists

For Immediate Release: August 13, 2010 at 11:49 am
Contact: Daniel F. McElhatton at 215-605-6396 or Daniel@ChrisCoons.com

Chris Coons, New Castle County executive and candidate for Delaware’s open United States Senate seat, today announced his support of a bold plan to limit the revolving door of special interests in Washington, DC.  Coons proposed a lifetime ban on members of the Senate from lobbying their former colleagues, and support for a 5 year lobbying ban on senior Senate staff.  Coons believes that serving the American people in the U.S. Senate shouldn’t be rewarded with a quick payday from special interests and that jumping from government service to lobbying distorts the political process. 
 
Coons stated, “When a Senator resigns or is defeated, they should not be rewarded with high paying lobbying contracts that influence how our laws are crafted and passed.  A lifetime ban on former Senators and a five year ban on senior staff begins to restore balance to the legislative process.”  Coons further stated, “I hear every day from Delawareans who are worried about the direction of our nation; they are not just frustrated, but angry at how Washington simply doesn’t get their concerns.  One of the reasons is that lobbyists have too much influence over the legislative process and we need to end that.”
 
In addition to the lobbying ban, Chris Coons also proposed a ten percent pay cut – or $17,000 of the $174,000 salary received by U.S. Senators.  As New Castle County Executive Chris Coons understands what it takes to balance budgets and make tough choices, which included taking a five percent pay cut himself.  In proposing the pay cut for Senators, Coons stated, “We did it in New Castle County and we should do it in Washington.  We need to be fiscally responsible and make the tough choices now - a start is leading by example and reducing Senators’ salaries until we get our fiscal house in order.”  Coons added, “As Americans have seen their personal wealth diminish, wages cut and jobs lost, it is only right that elected officials shoulder some of the burden.  I support an across the board ten percent pay cut of Senators salaries and a six year freeze on any increases or cost of living adjustments.  Even at $157,000 a year, Senators will remain highly compensated.”