[Bad~Rodeo]

Are you implying Kick-backs?

[Economist_MA]

No, not really - even though that is certainly a possibility. I guess speaking engagements at $20k a pop etc. could well be interpreted as such if given to companies or associations with business before congress.

[Economist_MA]

And don't get me wrong - the timing of this raise is definitely bad and they should have either done it last year or waited for another year or two. But in principle I have no problem with congressmen being paid on the same level as (say) senior management in plc's or partners in law or consulting firms. I do believe that we need people of this caliber in congress, and that they should not be forced to take too much of a paycut by switching.