Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton won the support of many Republicans away from GOP candidate Donald Trump, but not just because of his controversial statements and policies.
Republicans defecting to Clinton's camp expect to be rewarded, and reportedly they have been. Greater access, influence, and even positions in her administration, should she win, are all on the table for GOP supporters, Politico reports.
"It wouldn't just be in token positions," said Chris Shays, Republican former Connecticut congressman who endorsed Clinton last month. "I think her motivation would be this would enable her to be a better president."
Clinton has won over several former officials from Republican administrations, including former President George W. Bush's Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, his former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator William K. Reilly, and former National Security Advisor to former presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush.
"They're not just going through the motions. That says a lot," James Cicconi, AT&T senior executive and Republican former White House aide, told Politico.
He and other Republican Clinton supporters report that since they announced their endorsement, the campaign has opened up to them. More access to senior staff and meetings to discuss strategy and policy, help organizing interviews and distribute op-eds to declare their support.
"Once you've gotten the endorsement, you've gotten it. The fact they're actually working with and seeking feedback consistently is a good thing," he continued. "It gives me hope. If you're doing that in the campaign when it's in the middle of such a hectic race to the finish line, it's a good signal of how you'd try to govern when you have less time pressure."
The Clinton campaign maintains that the candidate has always sought to bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans.
"Hillary Clinton has a long track record of bringing people together from both parties to forge solutions, and she's proud to have the support of a growing number of Independents and Republicans who recognize that," Jesse Ferguson, campaign spokesman, told Politico in an email.
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