Olmert has admitted accepting donations, mostly in cash, from an American businessman for his election campaigns since the nineteen-nineties, but he insisted that he did not take any money for his personal use, and denied allegations that he had accepted bribes.

NEWYORKER: The Brass Ring

Also involved in the investigation is Morris Talansky, an American businessman who helped fund Olmert's election campaigns.

CNN: Police raid Israeli ministerial building in Olmert inquiry

As the 2008 election heats up, it's worth glancing back at more than 200 years of American presidential campaigns.

FORBES: Elections Old And New