Lobbyists have treated Frankfort lawmakers to lavish parties spending more than $77,000 in just January and February.
Financial reports filed with the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission show the most expensive of those get-togethers was at the Buffalo Trace bourbon distillery and cost nearly $15,000.
Government watchdog group Common Cause Kentucky’s Chairman Richard Beliles says that spending is "egregious."
Lobbyists crave face time with lawmakers to discuss issues, and throwing parties provides opportunities to talk one-on-one. But Common Cause Kentucky contends the parties give well-financed lobbyists an unfair advantage in influencing legislation.
The financial reports showed lobbyists spent an average of nearly $560 per lawmaker on meals, receptions and events for the two-month period.
