GOPer defends using tax dollars to solicit contact from lobbyists #p2

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/8/934129/-GOPer-defends-using-tax-dollars-to-solicit-contact-from-lobbyists?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dailykos%2Findex+%28Daily+Kos%29

Roll Call (subscription required):

Sessions Sends K Street His Office Cheat Sheet

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions is used to hitting up K Street for campaign contributions, but now the Texas Republican is making it a little easier for lobbyists to contact his Congressional office.

Sessions recently sent a two-page letter on official Congressional letterhead to constituents and lobbyists featuring an updated contact list of his staffers, including phone numbers and issues those aides cover.

Sessions, who missed the official swearing in ceremony because he was meeting with GOP donors on public property, claims that there's nothing wrong with sending his contact information to the same lobbyists from whom he raises campaign cash.

According to Roll Call, Sessions' office defended the practice, saying it was within House rules and that soliciting contact from lobbyists was a good idea because the lobbyists "represent his constituents."

Sessions spokeswoman Emily Davis said in a statement that the letter is within House rules.

"Consistent with franking guidelines, Congressman Sessions' office has a history of updating constituents and those who represent his constituents regarding changes in official congressional contact information and staff," Davis said.

So, Sessions' defense is that it's lobbyists who "represent his constituents" -- but isn't that supposed to be his job?