As bad as the smoke is, and distasteful to pedestrian senses, this is exactly how a fair republican democracy works - representative government.  Voters get interested in politics and vote their interest.  They support their agendas whether it be commerce, charity, or otherwise.  Or they stay home with some throwing peanuts from the gallery.  Otherwise, you promote your candidate.  Of course you give money.  How can you make money if you don't promote your personal agenda?  Politics is incarnate cloud and smoke.  So, there is always smoke.  Here, I've yet to see fire.  I'd rather read about FIRE and not waste time with only the smoke.