I think 2006 may be a very contentious year. The Democrats see a very weakened president, and the Republicans running for re-election are really concerned about relying on Bush’s popularity. I think the Democrats are...

I think they felt the way that many high-tech companies felt: that what happened in Washington didn’t affect them and that they were outside the political realm.

The declaration of net income for a year that the gross of the fees received far exceed the income limit is troubling.

There is a real incumbent advantage, because the line between campaigning and Senate duties is very thin.

These are people who want to be close to the governor and they’re buying access. Their business interests are tied up with his political agenda. And when he spends a lot of time raising money...

The line between a bribe and a legal contribution is very thin, but it is that line that keeps you out of jail. The critical element is whether there was an understanding or agreement to...

That’s a major fight. It brings in a lot of the national security issues that the administration has been hammering. This is all the things they’ve been using as hot-button issues to motivate the base....

There is a fine line between a political contribution and a bribe, but that fine line is the difference between returning to Congress and going to jail.

The question is where do you stop? There have been some people who thought we were too broad; others have gone broader than we have.

If the justices uphold the law, it could mean a major change in how political parties operate,

It’s a very big perk for members (of Congress) and a very big lobbying tool for companies.

They do not have to convince the government to spend money on defense, really. Defense is a pretty secure area of the budget. In that sense, there is a built-in power that they have.

This clearly sets up the appearance of a conflict that the state was obviously trying to avoid.

He clearly is aiming at the jury pool and aiming at voters, hoping to generate as much sympathy as he can. And it shows DeLay never misses a beat when it comes to fundraising no...

I suspect most members don’t know the right answer and they’re just forced to make a judgment now in a very fluid situation.

seems to defeat the purpose of a blind trust. Somebody else is supposed to have control over it to avoid potential conflicts of interest. If you can just reach in and sell stock, it seems...

The American public’s access to the White House has been severely restricted, … So you may have an increased perception problem if in fact large contributors are getting access to the White House.

You’re essentially shutting down someone’s right to run for office. It’s done only if there are strong indications that, in fact, the campaign funds are being used for something blatantly illegal.

He clearly gets donations from people who have business before the state and who are regulated by the state,

[Anyway, Ms. Delahunt’s role] raises the possible appearance of a conflict of interest, … The question that people always ask is — is his opposition principled or is it practical.

We’ve all been waiting to see what they do with those complaints, and I think it’s positive that they have brought suit.

She is a center of gravity in the Democratic Party with the ability to draw cash in by herself. Can you think of a bigger draw than Hillary? It’s not Howard Dean.

The administration is walking a very tight rope here, … because they want to support Libby, but they don’t want to be seen as strong-arming Republican supporters for money.

unusually brazen. … It shows really poor judgment to put yourself in a position where you are seen as wielding that power for a friend.

It’s been growing in recent years as lobbyists have been closer and closer to campaigns.

I think everybody acknowledges its not working anymore.

It’s a perfect fit for the pharmaceutical industry. The fact they he shaped this bill adds to his cachet.

Lobbying is big business, and I think most of these companies probably look at the political contributions and lobbying as complementary tools,

It’s a very volatile situation right now. The avenue for [members] to raise money is under real scrutiny, and so some members have decided to pull back.

It’s something that should be addressed.

It will be interesting to see if they accept the idea that not only actual corruption in politics needs to be addressed, but the appearance of corruption as well, ensuring public confidence and all that.

A lobbyist is all about access and influence, and it’s hard to imagine a better place to get influence than being treasurer of a candidate’s campaign. It gives the lobbyists a lot of power with...

Microsoft, like every other company, gives because they think it is good for their business. They anticipate a positive return on their investment.

It’s possible that the reason he sold the HCA stock was to have money to pay off the debt, but he hasn’t said that, … There’s a number of financial actions going on here which...

From the local mayor or sheriff all the way up to the president, it means people have a real distrust of their government.

The whole culture is based on the ability to raise funds. Most of the ones who are running for the leadership are very well-connected in this fundraising community.

As a fund-raising strategy, it makes sense. As a matter of ethics, it looks terrible.

You’re never going to stop it all. It’s a question of keeping it under some control.

Right now, a number of members are betting on the public losing interest and getting away without any new reforms.

There is always the cliche ‘a pox on both your houses.’ But I do think the party in power does take extra heat on these things.

… They’re connected because often the political contributions open the door that allow the lobbyist in. The check by itself doesn’t have written on it the agenda. It’s the lobbyist that follows those contributions that...

There is no way this is good for him. How bad it will be will depend on what else we see happen.

Criminally, I don’t know if you can hold the campaign liable, … But civilly, if you can show the campaign had reckless disregard for the law, you could go after them for that.

Businesses want to succeed. They want to make sure they get access and a hearing, regardless of who’s in office. They’re very bottom-line oriented.

The reality is that it is mainly a Republican scandal for several reasons.

What you’re seeing here is what happens when a pharmaceutical industry, through lobbying and campaign contributions and influence buying, gets a program that it wants. What the industry lobbied against was any type of uniform...

They can speak at an event, and as long as the disclaimer is there, it seems like he (McCain) is following the law.

It’s a fine line and it really depends on what the contributor knew.

You have to worry that allowing such income, especially when it is so closely associated with Pombo politically, is a reward.

The K St. Project really changed some of the fundamental rules of the game,