quid pro quo? contracts for campaign contributions?

In `Connected' firm got state contract the Chicago Trib suggests there was a quid pro quo of six figure campaign contributions for eight figure contracts.

I guess we're supposed to be outraged. Was there a quid pro quo here? Probably? Was it illegal? Should it be illegal?

If some contractor gives over $100,000 to a candidate for executive office doesn't it seem disconnected from reality to be outraged when it becomes apparent what the quid pro quo was?

Maybe he gave the money because he found Mell's daughter charming when he remodeled her kitchen? C'mon!