ABSTRACT
One of the ongoing changes in our political life that deeply concerns is the inordinate—and increasing—importance of money. As money becomes more important, major contributors loom larger on the political landscape. The unhappy fact is that in any campaign at almost any level of government, image is often more important than reality, symbols frequently outweigh substance, and the cute quip regularly receives more prominence than the careful analysis. Television is an extremely expensive way to communicate, and that places a premium on short, simple messages. As each election seems to confirm, the line between simple and simple-minded is a thin one, and very easy to cross in a thirty-second TV spot. When a member of Congress receives a large campaign contribution, it may not affect a specific vote, but it inevitably affects his or her relationship with the giver.
