Not only were elections themselves still sometimes hotly contested under the Empire, but also supporters of the various candidates were eager to use these contests to prove their own political clout. Pliny writes this letter to ask support for one of his proteges:

My friend Sextus Erucius campaign has me in a state of worry and anxiety. I am pained, and any worry I don't feel on my own behalf, I suffer for my other self. My sense of shame, my reputation, and my worth are being put to the test.... I grab my friends, I beg, I canvass, I wander people's homes and hang-outs, and I try to cash in all my authority and favors by my prayers. And I beg you think it a favor to relieve me of some of my burden. I'll pay you back...