For Immediate Release: August 9, 2007

Former Lobbyists Calling for Ethics Reforms?

Mercer County Chairman Questions Convenient Criticisms by Two Lobbyist-Legislators

Trenton, N.J. – Following reports that two lobbyist-legislators were planning to host a press conference on ethics reform measures, Mercer County Democratic Chairman Richard McClellan today questioned the timing and sincerity of the press conference, calling it "a stunt to divert public attention from their own record as insider lobbyists prior to their election.”

McClellan reminded press conference attendees that both Assembly members Bill Baroni (R-Mercer) and Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) were silent on the ethics issues when they were lobbyists. It was not until ethics reform issues proved to garner headlines that either of them were vocal about implementing laws tightening such state laws.

“Personally, I love to watch a leopard try to change its spots, but the timing of their rebirth as “reformers” is very suspect. I do not remember either of them calling for ethics reforms when they were lobbyists,” said McClellan, who added; “While Mercer Democrats were enacting the toughest county pay for play legislation in the state, these two characters were nowhere to be seen.”

“It is a measure of their real priorities that Baroni and Beck were much more effective and persuasive lobbying on behalf of the special interests that paid them then they have been as serious advocates of reform as legislators,’ McClellan noted.

“These two lobbyist-legislators need to be upfront and honest about their entire professional histories beyond just what sounds goods to voters. Baroni and Beck should do more than just talk the talk; they need to walk the walk,” McClellan added.

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