>> Which isn't to say that a political system couldn't be set up that limited
>> the influence of money.
Because Money == Power, the only way to set up such a political system that I am familiar with is through violent revolution. But, getting people to support a violent overthrow of their government requires at least one thing: hunger.
As the world's breadbasket, the US will never have enough of its people truly hungry enough to support a violent overthrow. Hence, those that possess the money/power will forever remain those who possess the money/power. Consequently, who they select to represent us is really of no serious consequence whatsoever.