In Chicago, it’s called “pay for play”. Blago just went to jail for it. (he’s one of the few!)
Nobody uses it as effectively as Obastard has, since getting into politics.
I use to set-up and work trade shows at McCormick Place.
Nothing and I mean nothing happened if wheels weren't greased.
Being union run you couldn't touch anything. All work had to be done by union labor. One had to buy "access" to your equipment, buy "access" to the riggers, buy "access" to the carpenters, buy "access" to the electricians, buy "access" to the florist's, buy "access" to the caterers,....
And if the "professional" union tradesmen weren't adaquately "tipped" your booth/display suffered "unfortunate" damage in the night.
And the whole process starts over to get it fixed.
Sounds a lot like the Obama Administration.