The high cost of political campaigns – often running into the $ millions – imposes a heavy burden on politicians to raise money and to resist the influence of special interests.
The Open Secrets web site has a comprehensive look at the means that special interests used to gain influence – and the money that they spend.

The March 30, 2012, edition of This American Life on PBS is titled “Take the Money and Run for Office.” This one-hour program is available to listen to and download here. It offers an excellent look at the pervasive influence of money and fundraising on our political system at all levels.