...must not only be above reproach, but must be seen to be above reproach.

Considering the current climate, it would be wise for Mr. Reid, and any other Democrat who is interested in image, to take a lesson from Calpurnia.

Politics is as much about appearances as about actions. Mr. Reid's vote is noteworthy, but suppose he had honestly believed he should vote the other way? A taint would attach to that vote because of the gift, or he might have felt compelled to vote against his preference because of the appearance of undue influence. An honest lawmaker should not have to care about this, but unfortunately it would have an effect.

The "research" angle was a silly thing to push, even if true. Many of us have to do research as part of our jobs, but the way that's handled isn't through gifts from third parties who stand to gain, but through paying for a research opportunity and petitioning for reimbursement, or by company payment in the first place. The appearance of undue influence is thus avoided.

To pay for the tickets is the only way to guarantee independence from undue influence and the appearance of independence from undue influence. I say this even knowing that someone as high in government as Harry Reid could get a whole lot more than a really good seat at a fight for his (ahem) cooperation. He would be a fool to sell himself so cheap, if he were for sale.

Even though paid for, he would have wound up with prime tickets reserved in his name without having to raise a pinky. That's "influence" that anyone can live with.