Jack Barnes was struggling. He had made the ballot, but his polling numbers were strong evidence he had no chance in the election. His budget was dwindling, and time was growing short. A friend of his, a sitting senator, noticed his predicament and suggested he meet the man who had helped him secure his senate seat some years before. Such a meeting seemed a godsend, but there was just one problem: "I can't afford to pay for help like that," Jack had said. "This guy is not looking for money. He's looking for support-down the road. He's a lobbyist. Why don't you just meet with him? Then if you decide you don't want his help, no big deal." It sounded reasonable. Jack agreed to meet with him. The meeting was cordial-heck, nothing objectionable-and he agreed to accept his help. It was the biggest mistake of his political career.