The media's bias on this issue obscures the plain facts. That's also why the NFIB, the Grocery Manufacturers and the Realtors are so powerful. They also represent millions of Americans in industries in districts all across the country. Two of Prof. Smith's key findings answer the question of buying votes and influence. First, on the issue of money controlling the outcomes of elections - PAC spending does not buy elections.
Money can only get a candidate's message out.
There is no guarantee that people will like what they hear. Freshman Republicans who beat incumbent Democrats were outspent on average by one-third. And history is full of millionaire big-spenders who lost. Money does matter - and matters most to challengers. What is important is that challengers spend enough to have their message heard.