The Politics Of A Congressional Campaign - 725 Words

This quote reminds me of the patronage system, where jobs and promotions are awarded for political reasons rather than for merit or competence. In this system, working in a congressional campaign, making large donations, and having the right connections helped citizens secure jobs with the government. Members of large corporations and wealthy donors donate thousands of dollars to be granted some fancy title on the ALEC hierarchy. By using their high socioeconomic status, these workers of major and wealthy corporations are attempting to exert their influence on the processes ALEC takes part in. These corporate members and wealthy sponsors are literally buying their influence. And for what? A title? I am unsure as to what these â€Å"chairman level† sponsors even contribute to ALEC’s legislative process. Do these corporate representatives buy these titles to have an influence, or just to say that their corporation is involved in ALEC and stands firmly on the economic prin ciples ALEC represents? 2. â€Å"The speaker from PhRMA quotes both Obama and Mitt Romney on the importance of innovation, then looks up at the ballroom. ‘ALEC members,’ he says, ‘have shown that they get it’†(4). This quote interested me. I found it very interesting how a speaker at one of the ALEC conventions quoted both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, in front of a room composed more-so of conservative state legislators and private sector representatives. As of the writing of this article, out of the 101 ALEC alumniShow MoreRelatedOne Of The Most Prominent Issues Facing The Current United1655 Words   |  7 PagesOne of the most prominent issues facing the current United States Congressional system is the lack of term limits for Congress members. 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