Curious political story out of Alabama

[misanthrope]

5. Please explain

A glance at the financial portfolios of U.S. Senators before they enter office as compared to afterward spells out what opportunities present themselves in those corridors of power. It has been that way for generations. I don't see any way that the access to power or information in Alabama could begin to rival it.

From Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) in 2011:

As members of Congress, we have access to information that the public does not; classified briefings, closed conference reports and personal conversations with government officials. All of these sources can give us nonpublic information that may have a significant value if traded upon. But not only do we access information, we create information and policy. When we act on legislation or negotiate legislative language, frequently that legislation has real financial consequences to an industry or company.