Many have already commented on the damage done to Piper by the molesting media...
My grandfather was an old-school Harry Truman Democrat who was highly regarded in local party circles. They were always after him to run for local office.
Although he would have done a fantastic job, he steadfastly refused every time, soley over the issue of what would likely happen to his family as a result of the campaign.
Anybody in the extended family who had a drinking problem, a criminal record, a child out of wedlock, etc. would have been fair game.
Slimeball politics keeps many good, decent and capable people like my grandfather and Sarah deterred from holding office.