The US is weird

From a news release from the Center for Constitutional Rights opposing the appointment of Alberto Gonzales to the position of Attorney General:

Gonzales is an old Bush crony from back in Texas who supported their friends’ corporate interests and took contributions from Halliburton and Enron when he was a judge.

Contributions? Is that a euphemism for bribes? If this is known about him, how can he even be a candidate for the position of Attorney General? I know that Canada is probably considered a little quaint in its dislike of such things, but come on! Seriously, what does it take to be considered to be too corrupt for public office in the US? Besides, of course, lying about sex.