>> Does anyone really think the Kochs and cohorts give over $1bil each cycle and ask for nothing in return? <<
What I think is that the Koch brothers give billions to candidates and organizations that promote free-market policies.
And of course they expect something in return, namely, that the recipients of their gifts will continue to support and promote free-market capitalism.
What’s not to like?
1. Open Borders
2. Unrestrained immigration
3. "Free Trade" with mercantilist countries that don't even pretend to offer the same in return, resulting in the largest Capital Stock Adjustment in history since the fall of Rome.