Wholesale corruption rewarded military and civilian loyalists.

Of course, powerful people routinely reward loyalists with nice jobs in places like tourism bureaus.

And with no merit system, the sheriff has absolute power to hire and fire, making it easy to reward loyalists and to intimidate whistle-blowers.

"Bosses" like New York's rapscallious Senator Roscoe Conkling rewarded incompetent loyalists with jobs and then milked them for money.

He has used his control of committee chairmanships, which carry extra pay, to reward loyalists and punish dissenters.

Both parties do it, for the same reason: to reward loyalists and to raise money.

An opinion piece in the Asia Times suggested the scheme would reward loyalists, bolster support for Tsang and please Beijing, under cover of fostering political talent.

He has consolidated power around his immediate family and rewarded loyalists.

But the dinners, which receive scant attention outside Washington, do give Mrs. Clinton the opportunity to reward loyalists in her campaign with coveted invitations.

The post, historically an honorary position given by Presidential appointment to reward friends and political loyalists, requires Congressional approval.