Something is dramatically wrong that many of our Tea party pats and most congresspeople seem corrupt after a few years in dc.
It is the seduction of power and influence. As soon as they cross the Potomac, they get hit with dozens of foreign interests and lobbyists 'suggesting' wealth and power IF the vote FOR such and such or AGAINST such and such.
Money and power and political cover and offshore bank accounts.
It is sort of the political version of the post WW I 'how 'you gonna keep 'em down on the farm, after they've seen Parie?' Smalltown USA becomes kind of small world after they enter the glitz and glamour of world-level politics.
I have posted many times -- it is Potomac Fever. It starts as soon as they enter Washington. Few are immune, few can resist, most eventually succumb to its seduction.
Many enter Washington with good intentions -- and find the road to hell paved with gold and power.