Is time ripe for nationwide ethics rules changes?

The Times examines a number of recent state ethics cases and prospects for reform.

The question now is can a sullen and angry electorate prod state lawmakers into significant political reform, whether of the kind typically favored by liberals, like limits on campaign donations and better disclosure of lawmakers’ side jobs, or by conservatives, like term limits. History teaches that significant political reform tends to occur at moments much like the present one: Shocking revelations of corruption or self-dealing paired with overwhelming voter anger, usually coupled with economic upheaval.

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