This investigation into the rapid expansion of prison construction and mass incarceration in Eastern Kentucky under the leadership of Congressman and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers aims to determine why this policy has continued to be a viable political strategy for Rogers despite its apparent failure to advance social and economic development in the region. This analysis suggests that the Rogers Case can be used as a case study to greater understand the proliferation of political power available to elected officials in ANY district where the democratic incentive structure encourages politicians to represent the interests of private corporations and industries instead of constituents as long as they can count on their campaign contributions and the protection of their incumbencies.