Bribery by any other name...Lobbying really is the best investment.

"Given the current set of political institutions, it is to be expected that corporations will seek to influence political decision making processes. What is surprising is that some firms chose to stay out of the political game given that it is such a profitable investment." a firm that spent $1 on lobbying in the five years before the bailout ended up receiving more than $500 worth of bailout money.
Thanks to Diana Weinert Thomas (via Facebook; here's the original paper.)