It’s most likely both blackmail AND money. Regardless of the source of Conservative-Turned-RINOism, it’s nothing a good private investigator couldn’t find. Sex with prostitutes, money, a ménage a trios with the esteemed colleague across the aisle and HIS prostitute, money, cross-dressing in your prostitute’s lingerie, money... How hard could it be to find?
Gary Hart comes to mind here...
Gary Hart didn’t care what people thought of him.
Not too long ago there was a party on Senator Machin’s yacht (D-WV) and Republicans were invited. The Democrats liquored up the Republicans thoroughly, then brought whores on board. The women pawed the Republicans and photos were taken.
That, my dear, is one of the ways it happens. Such photos are dynamite against a conservative Republican when used in his district. The poor slob doesn’t have a chance.
Republicans must not succumb to the seductive arguments about being friends with journalists or Democrats. They are our political enemies who will do anything to destroy reputations and lives.