- After some posts by @ericlipton.nytimes.com, media is again debating the definition of political "corruption" for riches. We've seen this flare up periodically. One thing to emphasize: many ex-Capitol Hill-ers have written tell-alls saying they clearly understand what they did to be quid pro quo.May 12, 2025 19:22
- Covering money in politics since 2018, this question pops up (some may remember Beto that year), w/ hand-wringing. At Sludge, like many outlets, we strive for detailed clarity when we write that corruption is being alleged, charged, or convicted. There's also a not-small body of academic research:
- So we should be precise, but here's another part of the 2018 essay from former Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), now at Palantir. There are many good-government groups that have flagged the "party dues" system, for example. When experts say it's effectively corruption, we should heed them, pace Lipton.
