That is actually a fantastic point for a couple reasons: 1. It takes a long time or a lot of immediate fundraising/luck to even get to that level. 2. Those numbers are low enough that you are basically BEGGING corruption to happen, payoffs, kick backs etc. 3. This is going to sound like a humble brag but I don't mean it to be, but according to those numbers, I make more than a congressman and my household income (not married but co-habitating) is more than the president makes. I find that a little bizarre personally, if you upped the salary, even by 35% or so, I think you could attract some better candidates and potentially get some candidates to leave a well paying job (even if you would take a hit if you are a Dr) if you could soften the blow. (i.e. a Docter making 400k would maybe consider leaving for a congress job making 250k, no?) Again this is a very simplistic view to a complex problem, I think Congressmen should be paid a good chunk more, probably the PUSA as well, but as long as they don't royally screw everything up they at least have $50,000 a night speaking engagements to fall back on after they are out of office and at least one or two seven figure book deals. Interesting how this thread ended up. As far as two year limits in congress, that seems ridiculous as many mentioned above, you are constantly worrying about the next election. I'd argue that even 4 years is a bit too short, especially for a president, by mid way year 3 you are all of a sudden worrying about the next election. Maybe 5 or 6 years would be the ideal amount? Won't happen, but it's fun to discuss.