In theory, your idea is a good one, but there are way too many ways to work around it. A simple phone call would do it.

"That five million? That was me."

So many people are offended by the idea that people contribute to politicians in order to get influence. We have a government that has been given almost unlimited power over our lives, especially in matters of commerce. It is not surprising that people would want to make sure this power is used in ways they would like it to be.

Some persons and businesses seek political influence to throw a wrench into the market system. Special tax breaks not available to competitors would be one example. Government-granted monopolies to operate in given areas would be another. Trade restrictions. Tariffs. Using the power of the gun to keep competition in line.

One of these methods involves new regulations that make it hard for smaller or newer competitors to operate. This kind of thing has been widespread for many years, and much in the way of business license requirements and restrictive regulation falls into this category. A large corporation can absorb a lot of government red tape with its organization. A small company or startup can't. A rule here requiring gas stations to rebuild their tankage was easily met by major oil companies. Independents had to sell out. Bizarre pollution rules destroyed small laundries and bakeries. Not the big boys.

Conversely, some persons and businesses seek influence simply to prevent themselves from winding up on the short end of the stick. Self-defense, as it were. Protection money. Bill Gates and Microsoft used to be minor political donors, in the hundred thousands range. Then the government hauled him in and showed him the potential consequences of being apolitical. Showed him that anti-trust laws are largely a matter of opinion, and legal whim. Showed him that they could destroy one of the largest corporations in America whenever they wanted to. Guess how much Microsoft money flows into Washington now? The Mafia weeps with envy.

The power of modern government to build or destroy is arbitrary, and unescapable. Not only is it not wise to get on the wrong side of a politician, it isn't even safe to ignore him. Particularly if your competitors are not.