Their contributions to Clinton, particularly as he struggles with the consequences of his indiscretions, make a lot of headlines, but I'm not sure that their support is limited just to Democrats. After all, they have enough money to buy access with both major parties, and they are people who need access to those in power. I had evidence of this approach years ago when a prosperous and influential businessman I knew, who was an avid hunter and gunowner, explained that he made substantial contributions to both major candidates for governor. I, on the other hand, was specifically excluded by Cuomo from a sportsmen's organization conference with him in the capital. Money and celebrity status, however, are not the only currency of politics.
Votes are the other major coinage.
You don't have to be a Chinese-American restauranteur in Little Rock. This brings us back to the many ways one can have a direct personal involvement in a campaign. And bear in mind, that the town council member, mayor, state legislator, or whoever you help today, may be the gubernatorial, congressional, senatorial or even presidential candidate of tomorrow. If not that, then perhaps secretary of the treasury, or even undersecretary. Upward Mobility Politicians are usually ambitious and upwardly mobile.