Gift ideas for California politicians

After learning that elected officials in the state of California collected more than $200,000 in gifts during 2012 -- which doesn’t include the $6.7 million in donations solicited by officials on behalf of their favorite charities and causes -- the group Common Cause issued a report calling for tighter limits on this potentially corrupting influence.

One suggestion: “Apply the $10-per-month limit on gifts from lobbyists to also include gifts from the lobbyists’ clients. Currently, clients can give up to $440 per year to public officials.”

$10?

YEAR IN REVIEW: Ted Rall’s five best cartoons of 2013

What is this, Secret Santa?

Even more depressing than the thought that our public servants can be bought is the notion that they’re selling themselves so cheaply. $440 a year? These guys aren’t call girls. They’re not streetwalkers -- and even they would charge more. Hard times, it seems, have spread through the political class.

On the other hand, if I’d known that I could potentially buy a state senator for the spare change in my couch cushions, there would be a Ted Rall Freeway Interchange by now.

PHOTO GALLERY: Ted Rall cartoons

The idea of pols and political appointees getting relatively minor gifties further austeritized is inherently amusing, making this week’s cartoon one of those pretty-much-writes-itself deals. Given the time of year, jokes about regifting, stupid gifts and pets you don’t want but feel guilty about getting rid of seemed too easy to pass up.

It’s enough to make you feel sorry for a politician.

Almost.

Happy what’s left of the holidays, everyone.

Follow Ted Rall on Twitter @TedRall