"Yes. It is the Potomac Swamp Fever that eventually grabs all of them.
With the generous compensation and ego stroking they automatically receive, they also come to realize that there are several hundred million Americans and a $20+ billion economy either working for them via taxes, or offering support commiserate to the handouts they grant, I have come to believe that few if any can survive that Potomac Swamp Fever.
I am convinced that no one in the Washington establishment wants to see the government contracted --- to get smaller. It is not in their interests even if it is to the greater good.
Unless we can control and restrain the growth of government, we are lost.
I am convinced you are absolutely correct.