"In other words, can a board set up one of these so that a few big shareholders can influence legislation no matter what the employees think?"

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Most public corporations and their respective boards are usually not that concerned about the opinions of the rank and file employees, they are mostly concerned with keeping the company profitable and the larger shareholders happy. Also, if the members of a Board of Directors, or a person within the party's donor class, want to make donations above what is allowed by law they will do it. It may be illegal but straw donors are out there waiting to be found and bought.

fnord