Why did a select group of Senate Democrats including Michael Bennet suddenly cave in favor of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)?

According to this website, it was because of a sudden influx of donations from interests that supported President Obama’s new trade authority.

Campaign donations from members of the U.S. Business Coalition for TPP between January and March showed that a significant chunk, nearly $54,000, went to Bennet. Other top beneficiaries include Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon, Dianne Feinstein of California, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Patty Murray of Washington, and Bill Nelson of Florida.

Two days before the fast-track vote, Obama was a few votes shy of having the filibuster-proof majority he needed. Ron Wyden and seven other Senate Democrats announced they were on the fence on 12 May, distinguishing themselves from the Senate’s 54 Republicans and handful of Democrats as the votes to sway.

In just 24 hours, Wyden and five of those Democratic holdouts – Michael Bennet of Colorado, Dianne Feinstein of California, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Patty Murray of Washington, and Bill Nelson of Florida – caved and voted for fast-track.

The contributors ponied up more than $1 million that was disbursed in smaller amounts to other members of Congress, particularly those seeking reelection next year. The top five contributors were Goldman Sachs, UPS, Citigroup, Fed Ex and Coca Cola. Interestingly, Facebook was also a big supporter. Goldman Sachs was clearly the heavy hitter kicking in nearly $200,000.

Who says money can’t buy love?