[PapaBear3625]

I think you’ve hit on a point that unfortunately reaches across the aisle with all of the political “Look at me, I am somebody” sorts that warm those seats, and attempt to one-up each other at our expense.

Look at all the benefits that accrue with being protected by the "insider establishment": you get to not pay taxes (and if caught, say "I forgot", pay what you need to, and move on). You get to have sex with interns and the press takes no notice. Your investments tend to do well, since you know in advance what's likely to happen in the economy. You have lots of cute lobbyists willing to spend weekends with you explaining the ins-and-outs of desired legislation.

Life is sweet for a member of the "in crowd" who plays ball with the people who matter.

[fishnsoldier]

One word, Term Limits. Oh, that’s two words isn’t it? We need to return to the citizen statesman and I can’t see any other way to do that in this climate with all the incumbency advantages that are available.