In addition to cases of corruption of political candidates and public officials by organized crime, often through bribes disguised as campaign contributions, there are numerous instances of extortion and conspiracy by greedy or needy politicians seeking to exchange favors or preferment for campaign money. Little is known of political-criminal relationships -- the incidences, the levels, the geographic areas, the impacts they have -- and little is known of the degree of cooperation among the many governmental units monitoring organized crime. Over two decades ago, scholars estimated that perhaps 15 percent of the money for State and local political campaigns came from the underworld. No better estimate exists today. Excluding the Federal level, where the incidence of such behavior is presumed to be low, this would mean that almost $70 million might have come from criminal elements in 1980. Only 19 States have enacted forms of limited public financing for political campaigns, providing needed alternative funds when limits and prohibitions on contributions are imposed. By inaction in this area, governments foster a climate that invites criminal participation in politics, and the occasional scandals indicate the nature and incidence of the continuing problem. Eighteen notes are listed.