I think a lot of voters who re-elect these characters believe they’ve weighed the candidates’ corruption against what the candidates have “done for the community” and found the balance acceptable. In some places there’s also a fundamental belief that “their” candidate is being unfairly persecuted while other, more corrupt pols get a pass. In those cases, the dishonest local candidate is seen almost as a Robin Hood type of outlaw, fighting the powers-that-be on behalf of his constituents. And if he skims a little for himself here or there? Hey, everyone’s just trying to get by…
What it amounts to is, if a politician brings in enough jobs, aid money, etc. – or greases enough palms – voters are willing to forgive just about anything. Marion Barry of DC is the textbook example. I imagine his antics are nothing compared some of the s**t these Congress people are into.
