The thin end of the wedge is that you're a senator and the local gravel quarry in your home state invites you for a tour. They just want you to see how safe, lo

The thin end of the wedge is that you're a senator and the local gravel quarry in your home state invites you for a tour. They just want you to see how safe, low-noise and eco-friendly their operation is, and how many well paid jobs they've created for the people you represent. Nobody's likely to say this is corruption, because nobody is envious of your exclusive tour of a gravel quarry. Once it's established that that's not corruption - there will be some travel expenses. Can they have someone pick you up and drive you to the mine? Pay for your stay in a local hotel? Can it be a good hotel? Now what if instead of a quarry, an entertainment venue would like to give you a tour?