Spiritual wickedness in high places. The D of c is an evil place ruled by the prince of the air. Few men are able to stand, most succumb.
No doubt. There is no aphrodisiac like power + money.
The solution is to change the structure of the senate. Change it from one that follows the whims of the popular mob, that discourages virtue, to one that looks out for the interests of the states. IOW, re-federalize.