[bsenftner]

I think it is highly likely that individual politicians accept lobby money from the private prison industry, which influences their votes on any issue impacting this "paying for their interests" constituent. Just repeat this, not very many times, and the nation's voting balance sways in their direction. Realize that each politician has a net of obligations, and by directly impacting a few's behavior, many other politicians are swayed due to their obligations towards their peers accepting lobby incentives. Speaking from experience, I worked very effectively as a lobbyist, until my ethics would not longer allow it.