Clintonites vs. Transparency: Gov. McAuliffe vetoes sunshine law for state-hired lawyers

It's an opportunity for corruption, or at least collusion and cronyism: State governments sign deals with private-practice lawyers, who then file lawsuits with state backing, kicking most of the money back to taxpayers, but holding onto a big chunk of the cash. (To be fair, the lawyers often have to spend some of their profits on campaign contributions to the politicians who gave them the plush deal).

The New York Times had a piece on these shady deals between states and private attorneys:

While prospecting for contracts, the private lawyers have also donated tens of thousands of dollars to campaigns of individual attorneys general, as well as party-backed organizations that they run. The donations often come in large chunks just before or after the firms sign contracts to represent the state. ...

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