But in most instances, these same members agreed that many of their colleagues were probably not as high-minded and principled as they were. The lobbyist by no means is assured of everything he or she was seeking. But when members cannot go along with one vote, there's a good chance that they will try very hard to find some other vote down the line in which they can support the interest group that has, in turn, supported their reelection campaign. Here's how the system works, according to those who worked within it for years. They have the access - and access is it.
Access is power.
Access is clout. That's how this thing works . . . . I don't have to find any soft landings . . You get invited to a dinner somewhere and someone gives you some money. And then you get a call a month later and he wants to see you.