What does it take to be a corrupt politician?

Being re-elected term after term.

The way to stop this is term limits.

Two terms for Senators and Six terms for Representatives should be the Law (12 years of service, tops). That would cut down on corruption.

Probably the first time they hear their name announced as the winner of a local political contest. Maybe it is such a feeling of euphoria they lose all rational thought. I've never run for office, so I don't know. I do know some of my local politicians and they all get this crazed look in their eyes whenever they win; you can't talk to them after they win. They seem to be looking around for the news cameras and ready to utter something that will become a famous sound byte. You can see their good intentions and ideals just fly out the window.

I don't know of a way it can be prevented other than doing away with elections.

A group of uninformed voters. Do not blame the politicians. You are the ones that sent them there and all too often keep them there. I can also tell you what it takes to remove a corrupt politician. A group of informed voters. The only difference is "un". Now vote the corrupt ones out and do your homework. Then send some good decent people to washington to represent you.

LIE to people to tRy & have them trust that YOU/said person is better for that position/seat !?! & then to tell more or better lies to cover up the first one !! & copy certain documents that indicates that certain things had been done !?! Much like the politician said they would be !?! & to keep away or hide certain details of promises for aslong as possible !! Besides that: Once Satan would see that you are doing well at your miseading,lying,dragging issues til most would either forget about them !?! Til they just give up on them because they gotten used to some things not changing !! & may even start to think or feel that they never will !?! <a.k.a.> the ability to artfully lie & or fool people & use all the time in`,between to blind us fools !?! Ha Ha Ha`, 'R',`r,r'r.r`',.

Well when you are a junior all the good old boys will let you know what they expect you to do. Play ball their way or they will be able to one way or the other get you by a smear campaign or any thing you have ever done in their life. We would have to vote every one of the senate and congress and start fresh. Keeping all your eyes on them so they do not become the New Worse order.

Affirmative action, law degree, paying your dues to the party neighborhood bosses and a li'l help from your pals at ACORN

It takes 51% of the votes.

time served in a corrupt system, unless of course you are Obama

you need to take lots of bribes, and look the other way on alot of things. having about 5 mistresses would also be good for padding.

Being a product of Illinois political machine is rather reliable recipe for corruption