Boehner's Vision Of Reform

Rep. John Boehner's team is working to clarify his remarks 1/8 that more rules won't guarantee lobbying reform. His main point: the GOP's legislative agenda, not the specifics of whatever reform it enacts, will determine whether Americans trust Republicans.

A few points from Boehner's letter to colleagues: "We should think seriously about bringing greater transparency to the lobbying industry. Anyone -- anyone -- can call himself or herself a lobbyist, recruit clients, and make appearances on their behalf on the Hill."

He also hints at earmark reform: "We need to get our arms around the power that our budget represents. We need to distinguish, for example, between legitimate earmarks with a clear local need and those for which the merits are less well demonstrated."