Associated Press: Menendez Case Shows That Rich, Willing Donors Have Many Conduits to Curry Favor With Lawmakers

The funding of U.S. campaigns "is a coat of many pockets," said Meredith McGehee of the Campaign Legal Center. The Melgen-Klobuchar episode, she said, used only one of those pockets.

McGehee said a wealthy donor wanting close ties to a lawmaker can give to the lawmaker's campaign, "leadership PAC," non-profit foundation, designated colleagues and other causes associated with the lawmaker.

McGehee said it wasn't surprising that Melgen was willing to give Klobuchar's campaign $10,000, but only if Menendez requested it himself. ...

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