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...