Bribery and Corruption Casebook: The View from Under the Table

CHAPTER 3

In the State’s Interest

GARY GRAFF

Glenn Brooks, fresh out of college in the early 1980s, was looking for the fast track to success. He had an abundance of clever business schemes but was short on the money and connections to put them in motion. As luck would have it, he happened to reside in the district of long-standing State Senator Carl Sampson, and the senator was in possession of the very things Glenn lacked: power, influence and wealth. Glenn Brooks called on the senator, seeking financial backing for one of his promising ventures. Senator Sampson was impressed with the young man’s bold approach and decided to provide the funding and clout Brooks sought. Glenn Brooks’ business skills and Senator Sampson’s political influence gave rise to a formidable partnership, one that would create numerous successful corporate enterprises throughout the state.

After Glenn’s initial contact with the senator, he went on to marry, become a father and get involved in community affairs. He was elected to the school board and became a member of Rotary. Courting public loyalty and affection, Brooks hosted yearly Christmas parties for his entire town, and every summer he treated more than 40 of his employees and their spouses to weeklong trips to various vacation spots.

Senator Sampson’s state roots ran deep. Born into a large farming family, his adult life took him away from his family’s poorly producing plot of land. After serving in the military, he completed law school and quickly ...