Using the same tactics the Wealthy did in the Gilded Age I should think.

Promises of Wealth. And where that should fail threats and blackmail. Or perhaps a mixture of all three.

It is a defect somewhat inherent to Republicanism and to a lesser extent Classical Liberalism as a whole

There’s precious little to discourage elected Officials from working on behalf of Business and Corporate Interests. Or the interests of foreign powers in exchange for short-term material wealth. Instead of the interests of constituents. Outside of maybe Personal Honor and Ethics.

And Honorable and Ethical People. Who also desire local office. Let alone State and Federal aren’t in large supply.

Using the same tactics the Wealthy did in the Gilded Age I should think.

Promises of Wealth. And where that should fail threats and blackmail. Or perhaps a mixture of all three.

It is a defect somewhat inherent to Republicanism and to a lesser extent Classical Liberalism and the Enlightenment as a whole.

There’s precious little to discourage elected Officials from working on behalf of Business and Corporate Interests. Or the interests of foreign powers in exchange for short-term material wealth. Instead of the interests of constituents. Outside of maybe Personal Honor and Ethics.

And Honorable and Ethical People. Who also desire local office. Let alone State and Federal aren’t in large supply.