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Conduit bribery

Definition

A scheme in which a donor attempts to bribe a candidate indirectly by routing money through an intermediary (like a political party) rather than giving directly to the candidate. Petitioners argue this is an implausible theory because the intermediary has its own interests and is unlikely to cooperate.

Examples

  • A donor giving $44,000 to a party committee hoping the party will spend it all on one specific candidate in exchange for that candidate's official action

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