Skybox Lobbying

In Iowa, the big business section topic is corn. In Seattle, it's the high tech industry. In Washington, a different industry dominates: government and lobbyists.

The Washington Post reported recently on a Washington Redskins marketing ploy. A handout for salesmen titled "Government Ethics Rules re: Suite Tickets" notes that "Government officials/employees can accept invitations to your Suite" through "Suite Guest Passes: These passes allow recipients who already have a ticket to the game to drop by an Executive Level Suite for a short visit." After discussing the use of such suites by House/Senate employees, the brochure goes on to talk more broadly about civil service employees:

Limited View/standing room only Tickets: These tickets cost $25. A government employee who bought such a ticket from the Redskins could accept a Suite Guest Pass (referenced above) from you to visit your suite without reimbursing you.

The Post story notes that several ethics experts have reservations about the practice described in the sales literature.