It took a few days, but the Billings Gazette figured out why U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) was working so hard on the bailout: Campaign donations.

Close to $210,000 in campaign donations have flowed into Baucus’ campaign coffers over the last few years. These donations were from the companies involved in the financial crisis.

It’s the same for other key people working on the frontlines of the bailout. People like Chris Dodd and Barney Frank have received their share of the pie.

These donations have made them work just a little harder to bailout their friends.

Both U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) received donations, but these donations were negligible compared to what Max Baucus received.

Tester voted no on the bailout plan last night. Rehberg voted no on the House version Monday. These were correct votes.