So this is choice: Houston state Sen. John Whitmire has asked state leaders to let him to chair a special legislative review of the Hurricane Ike recovery efforts. And he tells the Chronicle that he wants to look at whether CenterPoint Energy should be mandated to replace wooden electrical poles with concrete or metal ones. And, oh, by the way, his daughter works as a lobbyist for CenterPoint.

Um. Does this seem like a problem to anyone?

While there is no cold, hard litmus test for a conflict-of-interest, in general, if you're in a position of power you probably shouldn't be deciding whether or not to impose regulations on a company that employs your daughter.

Or, to put it another way: If a lobbyist approaches you about an issue -- and you have seen her in diapers -- you probably should find a way to recuse yourself. Even if she's not your daughter.

Also on the issue: Off the Kuff.