The $316,700 in contributions that Bush has taken from Vinson & Elkins (V&E) over his political life makes this corporate law firm his No. 3 career patron. This could not have happened without the approval of Allen, the Houston kingmaker who directs V&E’s political action committee. Allen emerged as Houston’s political heavy weight after coordinating the ‘92 mayoral election and transition team of developer Bob Lanier. Allen then lobbied Mayor Lanier for six years on behalf of corporate clients. Faced with a serious plan to reform city campaign financing in ’92, Lanier and the council instead passed a meaningless substitute drafted by Allen at the last minute. V&E pressures its 269 partners to make hefty annual contributions to Texas’ second largest non-party PAC. Partners can get credit for giving money directly to candidates of their choice only if they get the nod from Allen, who keeps the firm’s “Mystic Book” PAC ledger. V&E lawyers—who have a steady stream of Texas Supreme Court cases—contributed $287,680 to the most recent campaigns of its justices. V&E also employs Pioneer Thomas Marinis, Jr.