State legislators from the northern, central and eastern regions of Virginia received the most gifts given to lawmakers last year, according to an analysis of records filed by General Assembly members.

Legislators from Eastern Virginia, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Newport News, got the largest dollar value of gifts. The region boasts 38 of the state’s 140 legislators.

Stephen Medvic, an assistant professor of political science at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, said it’s hard to know why a particular group, business or individual has given a gift to a legislator.

"You have to know something about the gift-giver," he said.

But in general, he doesn’t believe special interests give gifts out of the kindness of their hearts.

"I’m sure there are different purposes – rewarding a vote, influence on a future vote or a means for gaining access," he said.

Nelson Wikstrom, a professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, agrees.

"When you give money, you will enjoy access," he said. He said gift-givers also may have public policy goals or political ambition.

"People who give gifts are sometimes placed in government-appointed offices," he said.

Steve Calos, executive director of Common Cause of Virginia, a political watchdog group, agrees that political donors use gifts and campaign contributions to gain access to politicians.

"Money does buy access," Calos said. "Access is the gateway to influence."

And it’s especially important to have access to members of the political party in power. That may be why Republican legislators received more in gifts than their Democratic counterparts, Wikstrom said. The GOP controls both the Senate and the House of Delegates.

Wikstrom and Medvic were both surprised by the fact that legislators from the Eastern Virginia received more in gifts than the other regions. Here is the breakdown:

• Eastern Virginia – about $38,000 in gifts
• Northern Virginia – about $24,000
• Central Virginia – about $23,500
• Southwestern Virginia – about $10,500
• Western Virginia – about $3,000

Wikstrom said the eastern region’s economic emergence might play a role in the amount of gifts received by legislators. "The Tidewater region is becoming more competitive," he said.

Medvic said the amount of gifts lawmakers receive may correspond to their seniority and membership on key committees. He said he was shocked that Northern Virginia’s legislators did not fare better in gifts.

Medvic said gift-givers often have a motive other than altruism. "If a person was no longer lobbying for something, would they still give gifts?" he asked.

The dollar value of a gift "may not tell the whole story," he said. "I would find a $500 dinner more odd than a $3,000 trip; the trip seems less gluttonous."

Medvic also said the type of gift is important: A lasting gift – such as a clock – may have more meaning than a consumable gift, such as a dinner.

There also may be meaning in the timing of gifts, he said. For example, Medvic said, a gift given after a legislative session may be a "thank you," while one given before the session might be a "persuasion gift."

A gift given immediately after an election could be a "congratulatory gift" or a message that the donor soon will ask for a favor, Medvic said.

Regional breakdowns