[Shivetya]

Okay, let me put it another way. While they may not get the contract, friends and relatives of the same politicians suddenly do find themselves beneficiaries of those who do win the contracts.

Remember the fun with Countrywide and the sweet heart loans? How some politicians or their friends do so well in the stock market or get into IPOs at a level not afforded to the public. If not family is it not worse when those who support your campaigns are the ones more likely rewarded with the contracts?

So yes, while direct attempts may be protected against nothing stops the train of indirect benefits.