Government officials represent ALL citizens and are supposed to get the best deal for the taxpayer. They are not spending their own money. They are spending my money and all other citizens money.

If you looked at the deals that textbook companies get, you would realize that they sure as hell aren't negotiated well (or at all honestly). These deals are done at expensive dinners and trips paid for by the textbook companies. Or the companies donate to candidates campaigns, then the elected officials make sure these companies get the textbook deals, regardless of value or quality.

Government officials have an obligation to the citizens to be impartial to prevent this type of corruption.

My customers only represent themselves and their money. They are free to do whatever they want with it.