It should come as no surprise to most that U.S. Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) has abruptly announced his retirement, and is likely headed into the lap of luxury as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill. The lineup of former Congressional folks is already quite impressive: It includes nearly 160 former members of the House and 37 former senators, according to published reports.

The timing of Lott's decision to retire hardly went unnoticed. Political pundits instantly picked up on the convenience of Lott's move, which would allow him to sidestep the newly instituted two-year waiting period before a senator can lobby.

In the wake of the scandal involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who pleaded guilty to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials, Congress came up with some so-called reforms. Among them, the Senate plan for more disclosure and to double the one-year moratorium before members of Congress can lobby.

To be sure, reforms are clearly needed. Who can forget the list of lawmakers who worked on the new Medicare drug law — including one of the bill's authors, Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.) — who left to become drug company lobbyists?

Lott is certainly well-equipped to help prospective, well-moneyed clients navigate the halls of Congress.

Of course, there likely will always be a role for lobbyists in government. The high stakes and potential financial windfalls make the business extremely lucrative, with lobbyists handily pulling in million-dollar paychecks.

What's needed are rules that favor transparency and full disclosure so taxpayers can hold their elected leaders accountable for their votes.