The problem would be finding saints who could tolerate being libeled and/or slandered by the opposition during the campaign and if elected, be able to function in DC without going stark raving mad. IMO many who run for office gladly suffer the slings and arrows for a shot at the opportunities for gain provided by lobbyists and the prospect of eventually slurping the great mammary. (federal legislators pension)
Yup.
I think the only requirement to be an effective politician is to have no sense of shame. As J.R. Ewing said "once you get past honesty and ethics the rest is a piece of cake".