How is this not illegal?

[fromderinside]

yes . . . and he'd still be Politician X (R-TX).

I don't know all the technical details on how a party can effectively kick out a member, but, even if it isn't possible, the party could still effectively cut them off from all support/resources and the leadership could make sure they don't get coveted positions on committees and such.

Are not the resources/support and offer of coveted positions similar in value (if not much greater in value) as a contribution to campaign funds?

Since elections are political and election laws are meant to serve the political structure, most states enact laws requiring the party to certify a candidate as an X or a Y. If a person of persuasion C calls himself an X he'll appear on the ballot as a C unless party X agrees to let the person be listed among the X candidates.

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*slams head against desk*

Generally the party and politicians reward other politicians who support them and cooperate with them through endorsements, coveted committee appointments, cabinet appointments, party resources, and direct campaign involvement. Are all these things bribes to solicit cooperation?

It looks particularly bad in this case because it involves cash.

Why is cash for a campaign fund bad but a political endorsement and campaign help from a leading politician that is worth far more than $10k cash OK?

Uh, its all within the party?

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

*slams head against desk*

Generally the party and politicians reward other politicians who support them and cooperate with them through endorsements, coveted committee appointments, cabinet appointments, party resources, and direct campaign involvement. Are all these things bribes to solicit cooperation?

It looks particularly bad in this case because it involves cash.

Why is cash for a campaign fund bad but a political endorsement and campaign help from a leading politician that is worth far more than $10k cash OK?

Because one has a tangible value, while the others do not.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Many years ago I heard a doctor say: "We should have bribed them last year when it was legal to do so." Last year was an election year, the year he said this wasn't.