[robowombat]

I think you have said the magic words here. This is one of the most potent sources of crypto influence inside the Beltway. There are several such influence networks that ramify throughout DC. The various Chinese networks for instance. Anyone who threatens to expose any of these hidden networks risks either career or life and limb.I have been called a foil hat by several here for alluding to these crypto political influence networks. However, they do exist and their baleful influence grows worse with time.

[WilliamofCarmichael]

It makes absolute sense that such influence as you describe exists. Otherwise such things would not be so universally common throughout history -- I recall a mild form of it.. Washington Times reporter Bill Gertz said during an interview on KSFO radio that the Chi-Coms require American corporations to do the lobbying for them (the Chi-Coms) if the corporations want to protect their investments in Red China. Those were not his exact words but I recall that he did say the corporations were required to do the lobbying for them (the Chi-Coms) . . . .