The campaign coffers of individual legislators are also dangerously dependent on special interest money.

Until now, funds were set aside for special appropriations by individual legislators after they had received the budget from the Governor.

She meets somewhat less often with Democratic leaders and individual legislators in Congress.

"I am sure that it is going to be a critical factor with some individual legislators evaluating their support," he said.

In this case, he said, slowing down the process would force individual legislators to take responsibility for the budget.

After the deadline, bills can only be raised out of committees not by individual legislators.

Albany's problems, however, arise not from any individual legislator or even political party.

If individual legislators cannot exercise discipline, the public has a right to expect Congress to impose it.

These are the "member items," pet projects for individual legislators designed to curry support in home districts.

"I just tend to think that individual legislators are going to advertise themselves."