Since both Bush and Kerry are wealthy enough not to need to steal, or let themselves be bought, I think the comment is neutral viz. a viz. this election. A more sensitive reading of Kerry's personal financial history, however, would be that he is not personally wealthy, and has let himself be bought by wealthy women as well as well as wealthy constituents in between wives.
"Since both Bush and Kerry are wealthy enough not to need to steal, or let themselves be bought,..."
I'm just cynical enough to think all politicians can be bought, no matter how much wealth they may already have. It's called fund raising, among other things - there's always a debt to be paid to those that helped you acquire power.
Z
A recipe for MASSIVE political financial corruption is two things that most people SAY they want:
1) More "average Joes" in politics that aren't independently wealthy
2) Reduced salaries for politicians