Well, yes and no. Crooked politicians have to know that the people bribing them aren't going to rat them out. I doubt seriously that one of us could approach a known crooked politician and bribe him. There would have to be some kind of vetting, and of course "buffers." Even Geary told Michael he didnt want to deal with him directly (with his oily hair and shiny silk suits and dishonest ways) but through the "good man" Turnbull.

I think some corrput judge or Jew congressman not in our district knew that Vito Corleone would not only take care of them financially, but that he would also be a "friend" ready to do a favor in return for a favor. I doubt Sonny understood this subtle difference, and his ascendency to the top level combined with a newly minted drug dealing operation may have scared some of them off.