[Ramius]

Being taken to lunch or dinner isn't a sign of corruption, or, anybody that can be bought with just a meal isn't worth buying.

I get taken to lunch and dinner by vendors vying for contracts all the time. That they paid for dinner to get my attention for an hour or so is hardly anything that affects my decision. This case is probably just a couple of overpriced bottles of wine and a big group. Either way, it's not like she gets the money. She just gets a meal. Probably a salad.

Big deal.

[MineralMan]

"Being taken to lunch or dinner isn't a sign of corruption, or, anybody that can be bought with just a meal isn't worth buying."

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While that's true, there are strict rules in the House of Representatives regarding this. They're written to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

All House members know these rules.

In the end, it doesn't really matter. Stories like this will cost Harris votes, and that's the real problem. I don't think she could win in any case, but avoiding the appearance of impropriety should be one of GOP legislators' higher priorities. There are plenty of folks looking for reasons to attack them.