It's about power. In this case, "power" means political power. Some people are willing trade a percentage of their wealth to acquire power. Note that in earlier

It's about power. In this case, "power" means political power. Some people are willing trade a percentage of their wealth to acquire power. Note that in earlier times, power was usually acquired by heredity. If you want to read a fascinating book on the different kinds of power and how it has been acquired over time, read the book "Power: A New Social Analysis" by Bertrand Russell.