Question

Senator Kaufman spearheaded the Senate's investigation of Wall Street. But, he was appointed and not elected. He did NOT receive any campaign donations. How might this have influenced his ability to investigate financial crime? How might it have been different for elected officials? You CANNOT use websites or Wikipedia. You MUST use credible sources, journals, databases, books, etc...

Answer 1

Appointed Senator Kaufman led an investigation free from the potential biases associated with campaign donations, which might differ significantly from the actions of elected officials shaped by the need for campaign funding and influence from donors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Senator Kaufman, an appointed rather than an elected senator, spearheaded an investigation without the influence of campaign donations, potentially allowing for a more unbias and focused investigation of financial crime. Unlike elected officials, who often require substantial funding to mount successful campaigns and may receive contributions from various interests, including those they may be called upon to investigate, appointed senators like Kaufman lack a direct financial connection to donors, which might cut down conflicts of interest. This independence could have facilitated a more thorough inquiry, as opposed to elected representatives who might be pressured by donors or be more susceptible to the political fallout of their investigatory actions.

History has shown that campaign finance plays a crucial role in the actions and priorities of legislators, from the way the union movement's perception was tainted by corruption, to how the Senate is distanced from immediate constituent pressure thanks to longer terms, originally reinforced by state legislature appointments. Campaign finance has been a persistent theme in legislative behavior and institutional function, shaping political behaviors and legislative outcomes. Looking at past Senate investigations, whether it be the 1957 investigation exposing links between union leaders and organized crime or the way investigations can fall prey to the partisan politics as seen in the Benghazi hearings, the influence of money and campaign finance is a recurring factor that affects the conduct and outcome of congressional activities.

Answer 2

For not receiving any financial help from the grantees, senator Kauffman hands were not tied neither was he unburdened or pressured by the outside forces to undermine the white collar crime investigations.

Step-by-step explanation

In the US the elites that is the political class, bankers and the individual funders do have influence over the State representatives due to their huge donations used in campaigns. In this case Senator Kaufman did not campaign but rather was appointed hence he did not receive any financial help from any third party, therefore his only commitment was to deliver the work he was appointed for.

This differs from other leaders because their allegiance is swayed as they try to please their donors for example; elected officials who received donations from NRA went against the bills that would limit their access to particular weapons.