> An anecdote from Jack Abramoff, former lobbyist sentenced to 4 years for "trading expensive gifts, meals and sports trips in exchange for political favors" T

> An anecdote from Jack Abramoff, former lobbyist sentenced to 4 years for "trading expensive gifts, meals and sports trips in exchange for political favors" This is true, but outdated. The lobbying rules were drastically tightened as a result of this scandal. The rules aren't perfect, but they are much stronger and better enforced than they used to be. Today, I think GP has it right about the primary advantage being access and the resources to use that access, not the sort of bribery you describe. Have a look: http://www.ethics.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Gifts http://www.ethics.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Gifts https://ethics.house.gov/gifts/house-gift-rule https://ethics.house.gov/gifts/house-gift-rule