It's my observation

[JPK]

Putin has been subverting our government for a long time. Whether it is with money or secret sexual favors or gifts, or you name it, Putin has been collecting Kompromat on our government representatives for a long time and he's been focusing his attention to the republicons. It has been a low key, under the radar subversion of our politicians, especially the republicons, because they want power and wealth through any means. Putin was happy to bait them. They may not have known when they took their first bite of the apple but once they understood they have been compromised and then with the election of trump they had to obey or be exposed. Their oath means nothing to them.

[Mike 03]

1. Something we here should all take great pride in..

Craig Unger writes in House of Trump House of Putin that almost no Democrats were susceptible to Russian overtures to corrupt them. It wasn't for lack of trying; Democrats, other than one or two listed in the book, could not be turned by Russia. However, Russia found Republicans to be easy prey, and many of them are listed in the book and most of their names are known around here.

[KPN]

2. + a zillion!

Gonna have to check that book out.

[stopdiggin]

3. the Russians, AND their various cut-outs

the NRA has proven itself to be particularly gullible (it's leadership notably obtuse) .. but only the truly naive would consider them a lone case. And, yes, the Russians have been at it for a long time (it's what Putin grew up with) -- and they're pretty good at it.
(and any American politician that is not EXTREMELY concerned with this influence .. is anything like a patriot.)