WELL, WHEN THE MOB GETS MORE POWERFUL, PROTECTION MONEY GOES UP: Campaign Contributions Up, Despite Economic Downturn. “As the nation’s economy mires in recession, most Americans are anticipating lower earnings by making do with less – but not those who call Capitol Hill home. Fundraising by 10 House incumbents in the chamber’s most perennially competitive districts topped $2.56 million during the first three months of this year, according to a Washington Independent analysis of campaign-finance reports filed this week to the Federal Election Commission. That total represents an 18 percent increase from the 10 House districts’ incumbent fundraising during the similar post-election period in 2007. The Senate money chase is also hitting dizzying heights despite the dismal economy. Total fundraising for the five closest races in the upper chamber, as rated by the independent Cook Political Report, hit $8.3 million during the first three months of 2009, an increase of 39 percent compared with five similarly competitive races during the same period in 2007.”