But patronage gave way to fund-raising, and the Cabinet position with political clout shifted from postmaster general to commerce secretary.

CNN: Clinton Follows A Tradition With Daley's Appointment

Gore's time in the number two post has helped transform it from a political backwater that one incumbent described as not being "worth a bucket of warm spit" to a position with serious responsibilities and clout.

BBC: Dick Cheney: A safe pair of hands

Mr. Ryan's position as chairman of the House Budget Committee gave it clout and prominence.

WSJ: Choice of Paul Ryan Means Medicare Could Be Hotly Debated in Campaign

The fact is that this congressman from the smog capital of North America has a lot of clout in Washington and the Administration has been placed in a difficult position by his very public, very strident stance.

FORBES: Liberal California Politician Holding Oil Sands Hostage

For years, conservatives have argued such unions have an outsize influence in picking the elected officials who are, in effect, their bosses, putting them in a strong position to push for more jobs, and thus more political clout.

WSJ: Public-Employees Union Is Now Campaign's Big Spender