Public Choice Theory

I'm not sure whether anyone paid attention to this part of a New York Times story on the tensions between John McCain and the Republican conservatives:

Meanwhile, conservatives are growing increasingly “resigned” to the idea of a McCain nomination, said David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union, adding that among Washington activists, many of whom, like him, double as lobbyists, self-interest may also be a factor.

“There are people who don’t like the idea of a being off a campaign or being on the bad list if the guy gets into the White House,” Mr. Keene said. “This is a town in which 90 percent of the people balance their access and income on the one hand versus their principles on the other.”

It's actually refreshing to hear a prominent "activist" admit that he and his colleagues "double as lobbyists" and that they make their decisions on whether to support this or that candidate reflect quite frequently their "self-interest" which in the case of working in the industry called "Washington" means access to power and money.
Which reminds me of one of my favorite plays, Eugène Ionesco's Rhinoceros. Check-out how in the coming days each one of these "conservatives" will be transformed into a Rhinoceros. They've always considered McCain to be a great candidate! (and the same will happen among the Democrats after Hillary gets the job).