First you will be wined and dined by very friendly people, including honeypots. Over time, the parties and importance you feel are overwhelming. You are doing something good. You may even believe you are statesman. Then a few corners are cut and your allegiance is tested. Are you a patriot or a party person? Someone is always recording you. On a junket, your best friend takes you somewhere for a little relaxation because you deserve it. No matter what you do, you are being recorded. Even if you are Mr. Pence the editing process will make you look bad. Then you have a decision to make. You have to protect you family and you are innocent so no one should know so you bend and vote on something you would not otherwise. Some money comes your way and a trusted advisor says everyone does it. Its exempt because of you position. Make the trade, do the investment etc etc. Time goes by, your family is growing and you need more to support them. Inch by inch you change. You go to church but you aren't really there. It is stressful so you work harder to validate the things you are caused to do. You get on committees, a chairmanship and now lobbyists are all over you. They have good intentions so you help them. Money flows faster but to your favorite charities and foundation. Your kid gets into the right school. Your wife is appointed to various social clubs. Then you go to hell