David Rothman cited Wallace's voted for regulating western railroads as how little ideology mattered. It is better seen as how much Tom Scott mattered. Regulating the Central Pacific and Union Pacific served Tom Scott. Similarly, Senator Gordon, a friend of the Central Pacific whom Rothman cites as an example of the in efficacy of corruption because he took money from Scott but voted against him can just as easily be an example of its efficacy. Gordon also negotiated for favors from Huntington.