They (politicians) have a phrase they fall back on when they refuse to deal with something.
“Chilling effect.”
Too harsh laws and it will stop a politician from doing their best. They will be too worried of falling afoul of the law.
I personally believe any politician using that phrase when protecting their own should go to jail,not pass go and not collect $200.
There is something to be said for the "chilling effect" if you press too hard. The chilling effect will be good people not wanting to seek office becasue of the risk. It is a complicated environment without resources, at least at the local level.
The solution as I see it is to make campaign contributions illegal. That takes most of the corruption out of the system.