If I give money to a politician or a bureaucrat to get him or her to do something for me, it is called bribery. Said bribery can result in a fine or a prison term, for both me and the politician or bureaucrat.
However, if I give money to the political campaign of a politician, in the expectation that he will act in my interests, it is now called "political speech".
A real Republican's Senate career was ended when it was revealed that he was given a Minneapolis condo at discount rates. I don't remember the details, but I think it was a shame that real Republicans like David Durenberger, Bob Packwood, and Edward Brookes went down in flames because they did things that were small misdeeds compared to the shenanigans that go on now in both parties.
Remember that those who throw millions at elections so far have just as many votes as you do – one!
Please also pass on to all your friends:
Always vote because all votes count. The only votes that don't count are those not cast.