The punishment of wise men who refuse to become involved in the affairs of government is to live under the government of unwise men. -- Plato

In bus584, Bill Hawkins talked about life as a lobbyist. He spun a tale about the fall of the political parties and the rise of the PAC and special interest group. This fracturing of power brought even more lobbyists. Politicians' lives must be pretty full, what with all the dinners and events they go to. Must be hard to be on a diet in DC. ;)

Basically, if you have a project that needs federal/state funding (tax credits!!!), and you can spin it to be in the vogue as our "concerns" go, you can get the $$$ or the legislation. The less-fashionable the idea is, the more $$$ you have to spend.