But there more to the personal side for Duke Cunningham, for doling out contracts was more than a matter of choosing the most qualified and lowest priced as mandated by federal rules. It was also a matter of choosing the contractor that could provide the most for him. The white collar criminal always looks to personal advantage. Lobbyists, like the now-convicted Mitchell Wade, helped steer paying clients to Cunningham. In exchange for a $21 million dollar contract from the Department of Homeland Security, a limousine company also furnished personal services to the Congressman, including the transport of "escorts" for Cunningham's personal pleasure. (Rozen, 2006) Cunningham also pleaded guilty to accepting $2.4 million dollars in bribes from actual defense contractors. The congressman actively sought out contacts in the defense world, boasting that, "I feel fortunate to represent the nation's top technological talent in the 'black' world.... [and] appreciated the opportunity to work with you on key service funding priorities." (Rozen, 2006)

More disturbing still was the fact that Cunningham and his lobbyist friends appeared determine to collect their financial windfall regardless of the actual consequences for national security. One company to which the Congressman awarded a contract, MZM, Inc. - founded, and until recently, chaired by Wade - is also involved in the Pentagon's highly-controversial surveillance scheme. (Rozen, 2006)

Yet another of Cunningham's co-conspirators, Thomas T. Kontagiannis, a financier, traveled with Cunningham on a private plane when Cunningham and other congressmen traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet with the then Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the man now that country's king. (Rozen, 2006)

Like other politicians in bed with lobbyists, Cunningham and his associates showed a clear contempt for the public interest when using public funds and arranging for public contracts. So sensitive a matter as the national defense was left up to private interests and political clout up for sale to the highest bidder.

White collar crime is inevitably characterized by secrecy and personal or business gain. Lobbyists ply politicians with illicit funds, bringing together unscrupulous businesspersons and special interests with corrupt...

Both lobbyists and politicians are typically criminaloid types. They are weak-willed and easily swayed by offers of money, goods, property, and influence. Lobbyists go from poverty to riches through their ability to play politicians and make deals on behalf of their aspiring and powerful clients. Officials use their offices a means of attracting the "investment" of companies and individuals. In exchange for lucrative favors, they compromise their oaths of office and work to the detriment of the public good. For a long time, their actions appear legal, until the secret machinations are exposed. The lobbyists and their corrupt politician friends operate in a twilight world of hidden friendships and sweet deals. What passes for one thing is in reality often another. Lobbyists and their politician allies are true white collar criminals, bending the law in non-violent ways to serve their own selfish ends.