As a business person, I FULLY understand the importance of buttering both sides of the bread.
As a former Congressional Aide, I distinctly remember the Congressman giving preference to meeting with people that had contributed to his campaigns.
Donations didn’t buy the Congressman’s favor, but they often bought some of his time.
Put yourself in their position...you need money to run for office. Two people want to meet with you - one gave you $1000 and the other gave you nothing. You only have time to meet with one. Who are you going to sit down with?
Now if you are a real estate developer and your competition gives donations to certain politicians, you’d better donate to those politicians as well, especially in an area that is dominated by only one party.
I understand. But does it go beyond the ordinary “you’ll get a hearing. “?
The circumstances surrounding the building of trump tower, with hundreds of illegals paid near slave wages in cash under the table raises the question. It’s at least going to be an issue.