This follows on from The Times evidence that access to Washington's powerful can be purchased. Apparently it cost $2m for a short 2006 visit to Kazakhstan by Dick Cheney although it is uncertain whether he was visiting as vice-president or as an oil industry executive. Clearly, the complex lobbyist network is tightly interwoven and its members move in and out of political service. McCain's campaign has relied heavily on the network and TPM relates how top foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann fits with the lobby trying to influence policy affecting the huge Caspian oil wealth.

Muck raking that Lincoln Steffans might have applauded. McBush advisers are alleged to be using commingled entities to provide cover for their activities in selling access. A worthy sign of the company (ies?) the John keeps.