clout list

A secret list of people who, through advantageous connections and relationships with people of affluence, authority, or political influence, are given preferential consideration during an admissions or appointments process. Even though he didn't do well in school, his father's connections to state senators and local politicians enabled him to be put on the university's clout list, and he eventually gained admission. If that inexperienced fool was appointed to a prominent committee role, it's because he's on the Speaker's clout list—there's no other explanation. I went to high school with that girl, and she was a C student at best. If she got into Yale, she must be on a clout list of some kind!