Corruption, Scandal, and the Political Economy of Adopting Lobbying Policies: An Exploratory Assessment

Abstract

Researchers have speculated about the impact of corruption and scandal on the adoption of lobbying regulations in the American states. This relationship is studied to determine how and to what degree these events affect lobbying policies adopted by states. An exploratory assessment of four policy dimensions (governed activities, standards, prohibited activities, and disclosure requirements) indicates that corruption and scandal do play a role. The relationship, however, is complex: high levels of corruption and scandal, moderated by other forces, make a difference. Low and moderate incidences of these events have no effect on policy adoption. Implications of these findings are discussed.