One local lawmaker believes the problems facing Republicans in
Congress in light of the lobbying scandal can be fixed, and is
throwing his support behind acting House Majority Leader Roy Blunt
of Missouri to lead the way.

In an interview with The Era, U.S. Rep. John Peterson, R-Pa.,
said he’s joined more than 80 other legislators in support of
Blunt, who hails from a rural section of Missouri and has currently
taken over the role of deposed U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, who
stepped down from his post after being indicted on campaign finance
charges in Texas and in the light of his ties to embattled lobbyist
Jack Abramoff.

Blunt is running for the position along with Reps. John Boehner,
R-Ohio, and John Shadegg, R-Arizona.

“Quite frankly, Roy Blunt will be less partisan than Mr. DeLay,”
Peterson said. “Roy has been very helpful with (Congressional)
Rural Caucus issues. At no time has he taken gambling money and we
are personal friends. I don’t think it hurts having a personal
friend as leader of the House.”

Peterson said Blunt has held statewide office in Missouri and
was a community college president at one time. He has also helped
Peterson with technical education initiatives.

“He’s a whole different type of person, soft spoken and quiet,”
Peterson said.

Blunt also serves as House Majority Whip and has served in
Washington since 1997. New York Congressman Randy Kuhl is also
backing Blunt for the role.

In regards to cleaning up lobbyists in the capitol, Peterson
said Congress needs to make the lines clear about what lobbyists
can and can’t do with legislators.

“The rules have to be made clear to the public and that has not
been done,” Peterson said. “I don’t see a problem with having
dinner with a lobbyist. But, the foreign travel, gifts and golf
packages is not necessary.”

Peterson also believes the current rule that allows a former
member of Congress to become a lobbyist after one year is too
short.

“I support increasing that length and not allowing them on the
House floor,” Peterson said. “As it stands, lobbyists have free
reign there. It’s too bad, really. It’s nice to see some old
friends on the floor every once and a while.”

Peterson – who is expected to run for re-election this year –
did not accept money from Abramoff, who offered legislators perks
in an effort to influence legislation. However, Peterson has
received $4,000 from lawyers and lobbyists, with lobbyists listed
as his fourth largest supporters, according to figures released by
the Federal Elections Commission as of Oct. 31, 2005.

This week, both Republicans and Democrats unveiled proposals to
curb the lobbyist situation, with House Speaker Dennis Hastert
urging new restrictions on gifts from lobbyists; the Democrats are
seeking roughly the same thing.

To that end, Peterson said he believes the GOP will survive the
ongoing scandals this election year, noting many Democrats were
close to Abramoff, too.

“I hope not,” Peterson said regarding any potential shift in
control in either the House or Senate. “I don’t see that yet. I
don’t think any one party has the majority of the problems. They
are spread around. It depends on what we accomplish this year and
the tone that comes out of Congress.

“The key issue still might not be on the table.”

Peterson said he is for more bipartisan discussion in Congress,
adding “I am a dedicated Republican, not only to get elected but in
philosophy. But, I work with Democrats all the time. The best
legislation that is passed is bipartisan. It takes work and give
and take from both sides.”

The lawmaker said he has many Democrats who support him on
natural gas and oil issues, noting rural legislators need to stick
together and “not give the say to the big urban guys who often rule
Congress.”

Peterson, along with Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, are
advocating unlocking the supply of natural gas located in the Outer
Continental Shelf. Thus far, there have been 120 legislators to
have signed up to back the effort.

“That’s a good start,” Peterson said, and “there are lot more
that told me they will vote for it, but don’t want to back it
publicly. I predict energy will be an issue again this year.”

Meanwhile, Peterson said he believes President Bush should have
the right to a domestic spying program, noting “This is not the
government listening to Americans talking to other Americans.”

“I am pleased and surprised that since 9-11 we haven’t had
another attack,” Peterson said. “People aren’t saying that enough.
Should the president have the right to listen to foreign Al Qaeda
suspects having phone conversations? I believe so. I would like to
know what they are talking about.”

Peterson also believes more needs to be done to beef up security
at the nation’s borders, particularly along its border with
Mexico.

“That’s been a long time coming,” Peterson said. “The Clinton
administration opened the border as wide as it can get and it’s
hard to close it back up. We have to establish and recognize the
rule of law. This is an issue we are working on, but it’s
complicated and needs to be done right.”

Peterson also said the Senate will vote to appoint Justice
Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court, saying “he’s a very good choice.
Both he and (Chief Justice) John Roberts are excellent men.”