Sometimes the mere -appearance- of a conflict of interest is nearly as bad as an actual conflict of interest. Citizens in a democracy should be able to believe

Sometimes the mere -appearance- of a conflict of interest is nearly as bad as an actual conflict of interest. Citizens in a democracy should be able to believe with confidence that their elected representatives are doing what they think is right, rather than doubt whether their elected representatives are really doing what's right for those who give them big campaign contributions.