Key, Baird discuss the upcoming session

Senator-elect Johnny Key (R-Mountain Home) discusses the upcoming session in today's Baxter Bulletin. Key looks at annual sessions, the lottery, education and the economy. He expects us to be pushing 90 days in the upcoming session. Key previously represented District 81 in the House and served as minority leader. His view on the Senate: "Where you are one vote of 35 instead of one out of 100," Key said, "it takes on more significance. I am looking at certainly a larger number of constituents and a larger range of issues when dealing with three counties and cities in those counties. But also, senators have to take an even more of a statewide view on things than I had as a representative."

In today's Benton County Daily Record, Rep.-elect Duncan Baird (R-Lowell) discusses his policy of not accepting gifts from lobbyists. It's a noble policy and one that is tough to abide by. As funny as it sounds, you really have to work at it not to accept gifts. For instance, it's pretty routine to show up at a legislative event with other House and Senate members only to find out that the meal is "sponsored" by an organization. I guess you either bring along a candy bar or just don't eat. Members will also receive trinkets in the mail throughout the session like pocket calendars, etc. I wish him well with it, and maybe it will catch on. Only a few states have enacted the "no cup of coffee rule," which is the gold standard of ethics policy.