31.   The legal issue is whether the contributions were properly reported and whether the money was used to buy influence.

32.   The mere creation of corporate behemoths is a danger in a country whose laws permit companies to buy political influence.

33.   The match centers on allegations that cash, free hotel rooms in Paris and free shopping trips at Harrods bought influence in parliament.

34.   The source of the money was overseas commercial interests who had been convinced by Huang and Trie that they could buy influence by donating money.

35.   These ads are not attempts to buy influence by making contributions, directly or indirectly, to elected officials.

36.   There simply is no effective way to stop the flow of money from donors intent on buying influence over public servants and policy.

37.   Whiting also dismissed the idea that the school was attempting to buy influence on Beacon Hill by hiring Cellucci at such a salary while requiring little work.

38.   Carp brushed aside questions about Kodak buying influence with political big shots.

39.   Chinese leaders have denied any plot to buy influence.

40.   China offers similar enticements, and the sides routinely accuse each other of buying influence.