Pay-to-play is a term used to describe an all too common occurrence our political system: when money is exchanged directly for political favors, such as generous campaign donations for a lucrative government contract. Or tickets to the Super Bowl in exchange for a legislative favor. The phrase began dominating headlines in late 2008, when former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges that included trying to sell the Senate seat of then President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder.
