Photo: U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV, a Fort Myers Republican, mingles with residents of Bentley Village in North Naples Tuesday, Jan. 10, after a brief speech and question-and-answer session in which the congressman summarized major issues now before Congress as well as big stories in Washington. Mack's speech was topical, and he touched only briefly on the leadership void created in the House of Representatives by outgoing majority leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), who has been linked to a lobbyist scandal and indictment fingering lobbyist Jack Abramoff. During the question-and-answer period, Mack responded to a question about why political lobbyists are able to easily provide financial and other influence to elected representatives. 'I don't think we want a political process that takes all of you out of it,' Mack said, referring to how lobbying gives citizen groups a part in the legislative process. 'Unfortunately,' said Mack about taking financial contributions, 'those that have have climbed up in leadership.' - Marco, FL

U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV, a Fort Myers Republican, mingles with residents of Bentley Village in North Naples Tuesday, Jan. 10, after a brief speech and question-and-answer session in which the congressman summarized major issues now before Congress as well as big stories in Washington. Mack's speech was topical, and he touched only briefly on the leadership void created in the House of Representatives by outgoing majority leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), who has been linked to a lobbyist scandal and indictment fingering lobbyist Jack Abramoff. During the question-and-answer period, Mack responded to a question about why political lobbyists are able to easily provide financial and other influence to elected representatives. "I don't think we want a political process that takes all of you out of it," Mack said, referring to how lobbying gives citizen groups a part in the legislative process. "Unfortunately," said Mack about taking financial contributions, "those that have have climbed up in leadership."

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