Here's Some Real Naive Questions On 'Lobbying Money'.......

[global1]

I really don't understand the process. We hear that an industry puts a ton of money out there to lobby for a particular position - be it for a passage of a law or a killing of a law, etc.

For example (fictiously) - let's say 'big pharma' puts out a $100 million to kill a prescription drug bill. How does the money change hands?

Do lobbyists from 'big pharma' go into a Senator's or Congressman's office with a briefcase full of money and give it to them? I'm sure that's not how it works - but really - how does a Senator or Congressman get their hands on the money. Is a check written? Does it go directly to the elected official? Is it donated to their campaign fund? Are there limits on how much a campaign fund can take from a lobbyist?

Is this all done above board or is it done under the counter? Does anybody keep track?

If a Senator or Congressman takes money from 'big pharma' to kill a prescription drug bill - does anybody keep track that the Senator or Congressman did in fact vote the way the money wanted? Does anybody publicize that.

Seems like an elected official can really make out like a bandit and become rather wealthy in the process.

I told you these were real naive questions - but I had a conversation with some folk on this the other night - and nobody seemed to know or understand.

Any help would be appreciated.

[stillcool]

1. I think Jack Abramoff would be..

Exhibit # 1. His story probably exemplifies how it's done.

[HillbillyBob]

2. Campaign bribes err contributions or donations is the 'legal' name

Usually by check to their campaign funds or thru political action committees because the rule were written into 'reform' laws passed a few years ago to get around the voter demanded rules on limits they could take directly into the campaign bribe funds.
It is done 'above board' and is reported to a federal office of campaign funding set up for that purpose.
Im tired and can't think well, and I keep hitting update/edit instead of preview.