Ronda DiGiorgio jokes with Trent Wright, an auto dealership lobbyist, and Rep. Stephen Hartgen, from Twin Falls, during lunchtime on Jan. 27 in the Legislative Dining Room in Boise.

BOISE – Small signs sometimes signal big changes.

Such is the case with the 8-by-11-inch “Open to the Public” sign outside the Legislative Dining Room on the Garden Level of the Capitol.

When the 76-seat restaurant opened a year ago, it was exclusively for the 105 lawmakers and invited guests. Legislative staff could order take-out. Six weeks into the 2010 session the rule was relaxed, and the public was admitted from 7 to 11:30 a.m.

That prohibition slipped, too. Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman Full story.

So, which Idaho pol would you like to dine with?

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