Detroit groups accept money from council candidates they endorse

The Detroit News reports:

A long-secret cost of Detroit elections -- paying for endorsements -- is generating controversy in the City Council election, even though most candidates defend the expense.

To many, it's a simple investment, part of what candidate Jai-Lee Dearing calls Detroit's "culture." To others, it smacks of pay to play. Either way, candidates who want three or four endorsements from prominent groups in the Nov. 3 election may have to shell out about $5,000.

It's a system virtually unheard of in U.S. politics -- where groups traditionally give money to candidates they like, not vice versa -- and it's providing fodder during council debates.

Great moments in rent seeking.