Abstract
We use contract-level data to study the effect of corporate political influence on the allocation, design, and real outcomes of government contracts. To isolate the treatment effect of political influence, we focus on campaign contributions in close elections and the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Firms with political influence win more contracts, with larger amounts, weaker competition, and looser oversight, and successfully renegotiate contract terms. While preferred access to government contracts improves performance and output, contractual laxity exacerbates agency problems and erodes efficiency. Overall, we provide estimates of the dual effect of political influence on firm outcomes.
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