[DoodleDawg]

They fight harder against Conservative challengers than they do against the Rats.

Conservative challengers could tear them away from the D.C. trough. Democrats probably can't, not in those states.

[nascarnation]

Conservative challengers could tear them away from the D.C. trough

I disagree. If you examine the career paths of "former" sens and reps, you'll see a huge percentage go into lobbying or hedge funds. The contacts they have developed continue to serve them well.