Pinstripe Patronage : Political Favoritism From the Clubhouse to the White House and Beyond

Political patronage - awarding discretionary favors in exchange for political support - is alive and well in 21st century America. This book examines the little understood patronage system, showing how it is used by 'pinstripe' elites to subvert the democratic process. 'Pinstripe patronage' thrives on the billions of dollars distributed by government for the privatisation of public services. Martin and Susan Tolchin introduce us to government grants specified for the use of an individual, corporation, or community and 'hybrid agencies', with high salaries for top executives and board members. In return for this corporate welfare pinstipe partons giving politicians the ever-increasing funds needed to conduct their political campaigns. As budget cuts begin to bite, the authors argue that it is time to clamp down on the corrupt practice of pinstripe patronage. Discusses The Role Of Political Patronage In American Politics, Describing How The Rewards Of Political Leaders To Their Supporters Has Evolved From Christmas Turkeys To Billion-dollar Service Contracts, And Examining The Effects Of These Benefits On The Business Community, Families, And Foreign And Domestic Policy. The Only Way To Run A Government -- Patronage Politics At The Grass Roots -- Statehouse Patronage -- Congress : The Mother Lode -- Justice On Ebay -- Presidential Patronage -- Pinstripe Patronage : Outsourcing Government -- Harbinger Of Change -- Judgeships In The United States Of America -- Defense Contributions -- Contractors' Political Contributions And Contract Earnings -- A Brief History Of Patronage. By Martin And Susan J. Tolchin. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. 'What differentiates good patronage from bad patronage? Marty and Sue Tolchin's book lays it all out for the interested voter.' - Ed Koch