[Strategerist]

The wealthier they are when they come to Washington, the less likely they are to be corrupt, in general - always exceptions, of course.

It's quite a dilemma for people that want Congress to be "like them" - the problem is when you elect someone who has an average income or financial situation to Congress, where they then have the power to influence billions of dollars in Government spending, the temptation is often too much.

[TomGuy]

The wealthier they are when they come to Washington, the less likely they are to be corrupt, in general - always exceptions, of course.

That may be true to some extent. John Kerry sat in the Senate and did almost nothing for 19 years, until he decided to run for the WH in 04. He has authored and co-authored more legislation since the 2004 than he did the previous 19 years combined.