Bribery between politicians

Many people have asked how Nancy Pelosi (D) has managed to win and retain the speakership of the house again after her dismal performance as speaker the first time?  Pelosi led the House for 2 election cycles that so destroyed the public view of democrats in congress that they lost the House for 5 election cycles (10 years).  In addition to a challenged record of effective leadership she's now 82 and the democratic MCs, as well as the party at large, have been clamoring for a "new generation of leadership".  Despite this, and against all odds, she regained her House Speaker role and sits there today.

Less obvious, but consistent in its confusing characteristics, is Kevin McCarthy (R).  Once the clear leader to be Speaker in 2015, he made a serious misstatement about using the Bengazi Investigation to dig up dirt on Hillary Clinton.  The statement tarnished the republican party and the investigation and empowered Hillary Clinton and the Democrats.  As a result he withdrew from consideration for House Speaker but remained Majority / Minority Leader ever since.  

What makes these politicians so resilient in their party's congressional leadership positions. To Solutions...actually the key reason is clear.  Each MC raises and shares ALOT of money with other MCs.  In fact, a quick look at Open Secrets data for 2020 shows something very interesting.  The top Donors to other Members of Congress also hold the top 4 positions in Congress.  Getting these positions requires votes from your congressional peers.

2020 Election Cycle Ranked Peer Contributions

1. Kevin McCarthy - House Minority Leader - Gave $2.6mm
2. Steve Scalise - House Minority Whip - Gave $2.4mm
3. Nancy Pelosi - House Speaker - Gave $1.8mm
4. Steny Hoyer - House Majority Leader - Gave $1.5mm

• (#8) James Clyburn - House Majority Whip - Gave $932,000

A look back over the years shows the same correlation with past speakers Paul Ryan and John Boehner sitting at the top of the donor list when they ruled the congress.

Why do we care?

First, this is clearly unethical.  In virtually every other context it is illegal.  Imagine if those contributing dollars to their company Board were then placed in the C-suite roles (CEO, CFO, COO, etc...) of your company?

Second, it ensures that acumen at fund raising (or the sheer luck of being in a district with no competition to spend money on) is the only characteristic that defines Congressional leaders.  Being a great legislator who gets things done and serves his constituents well would be better criteria for service to the electorate.

Solution

Which Politicians Give the Most Money to Other Candidates?

More and more candidates are jumping into politics using their personal fortune, rather than trying to raise all those funds from other people. Though they don’t lack for money, self-funded candidates typically lose at the polls. See the top self-funders in the 2022 election cycle.

OpenSecrets