And not just "token" positions -- positions where your face is there but you don't really have much say -- but actually positions where people have a say in what goes on, and people have the ear of the president and make some serious contributions.

CNN: The Rhodes scholar

Mr. MARC SCHWARTZ (Public Relations Consultant): On March 26th, I received a phone call from Mr. Abramoff, telling me that the tribe needed to make additional contributions to Congressman Ney through some PACs he had.

NPR: Scrutiny Falls on Those Close to Lobbyist

Mr Drakeford said a consultation was underway on whether Wales needed a public health bill and "there are some modest contributions which we could make through such a bill to address the concerns".

BBC: AM warns of high caffeine energy drinks threat to children

But the PAC report warns that some academies have been left out of pocket after sponsors failed to make the financial contributions they originally pledged.

BBC: Academies 'lack proper financial controls', MPs warn

It is an article of faith among some Democrats that liberals give money to politicians for altruistic reasons, whereas Republicans make campaign contributions as self-serving investments, in order to protect future profits.

NEWYORKER: Schmooze or Lose