Why do businesses get involved with politics?

Folks here on DP may know that I have opinions on U.S. and some world politics and am a bit outspoken about same. However, as a sales and marketing professional, the last subject I want to come up with my prospects, customers, etc., is politics (well, maybe religion, but it is a close call as to which is worse.) This is a simple matter of statistics: any such discussion risks alienating a prospect/customer if we disagree. I really do not even want to discuss politics within my own...

Why do businesses get involved with politics?