It could be higher wages, a lavish trip or even the occasional piece of fruit.

Studies have shown that gifts from pharmaceutical companies, which can include lavish trips and meals, often sway doctors' prescribing habits.

According to the daily Le Monde, auditors looking through travel agency records have found that the president spent closer to $360,000 on lavish trips between 1992 and 1995.

She used the money to buy real estate in Britain and take lavish trips, these people said.

Republican critics called the trips overly lavish in a time of economic downturn for the state.

Mr. Abramoff did not explain why the tribe should pay for the lavish trip, nor did he identify the congressmen by name.

The authorities say he used campaign contributions, expensive meals and lavish trips, including golf outings to Scotland, to influence lawmakers and their aides.

The firm's former star lobbyist arranged lavish overseas trips for Mr. DeLay, a Texas Republican.

What then would stop the next crop of college superstars and their families from taking lavish trips and cash and upgrading their houses?

Instead of building new track, however, it used the funds to speculate in bonds, reward friends with extravagant fees, and enjoy lavish trips to Europe.