Lott is Leaving for the Money

Why would someone run for reelection to the Senate and then leave office before even two years are complete? In Trent Lott's case, it's all about the money (from Bob Novak):

It is understood in Washington and Jackson why Lott is leaving without serving even the first two years of a six-year term. By getting out now, he can collect big lobbyist money in one year instead of having to wait two years under new congressional ethics regulations. Rep. Chip Pickering would have been Gov. Haley Barbour's certain choice to replace Lott had he not announced three months ago he would not seek a seventh term in Congress. Though 22 years younger than Lott, Pickering is also leaving for financial reasons. That makes it hard for Barbour to select Pickering.

Members of Congress talk among themselves about "getting out to make some money," and they do not mean pocket change. The swollen federal government and concomitant growth of massive lobbying firms means ex-lawmakers like Lott and Pickering can quickly pull down a seven-figure income. For many in today's Congress, big money trumps public service.

I think Congress and the country would benefit from a law which would permanently bar former members from serving as lobbyists. When money trumps service it creates an atmosphere where the best interests of the voters are no longer paramount.