... They're connected because often the political contributions open the door that allow the lobbyist in. The check by itself doesn't have written on it the agenda. It's the lobbyist that follows those contributions that brings the agenda. |
[Anyway, Ms. Delahunt's role] raises the possible appearance of a conflict of interest, ... The question that people always ask is -- is his opposition principled or is it practical. |
[It's unusual for members of Congress to accept donations in the days surrounding contract awards because doing so can easily] blow up in their face, ... There's a fine line between a contributor supporting someone who helps them and giving a contribution in direct response to getting a contract. |
A lobbyist is all about access and influence, and it's hard to imagine a better place to get influence than being treasurer of a candidate's campaign. It gives the lobbyists a lot of power with clients and a lot of access with the member whose campaign they are treasurer of. |
A lot of people tend to vote for their economic interest. So doctors see their interests more aligned with the Republicans, believing that Democrats favor more of a standardized health care plan, while 86 percent of those in movie production give to Democrats. |
All presidents rely on friends, political cronies and political supporters. |
As a fund-raising strategy, it makes sense. As a matter of ethics, it looks terrible. |
At the end of the day, they [prosecutors] have to prove a connection between the contribution and the activity. |
Businesses want to succeed. They want to make sure they get access and a hearing, regardless of who's in office. They're very bottom-line oriented. |
Criminally, I don't know if you can hold the campaign liable, ... But civilly, if you can show the campaign had reckless disregard for the law, you could go after them for that. |
Criminally, I don't know if you can hold the campaign liable. But civilly, if you can show the campaign had reckless disregard for the law, you could go after them for that. |
DeLay set a new benchmark for fund raising and that's not going to go away. |
From the local mayor or sheriff all the way up to the president, it means people have a real distrust of their government. |
He clearly gets donations from people who have business before the state and who are regulated by the state, |
He clearly is aiming at the jury pool and aiming at voters, hoping to generate as much sympathy as he can. And it shows DeLay never misses a beat when it comes to fundraising — no matter how dark things get. |