A couple months ago I got a call from the National Republican Party. Their pitch was that they needed my money to fight the RATS is congress. I told them I wasn't about to give them money to solve a problem that they caused. I'm with you, once they get to DC they lose their minds. I think it is a very social town, so in order to be invited to the right parties, you need to think like the rest of the herd.
I forget where I saw it (will Google later) but DC was once described as a sweaty, swampy, dreary Southern town.
I love the South but I have to agree with that assessment.