Are Rich Politicians Less Corruptible? Rich Candidates Are Not the Solution Sheila Krumholz, Center for Responsive Politics Yes, rich candidates may be less susceptible to corruption, but how much do we know about how they amassed their resources in the first place? There Is Very Little Corruption in U.S. Politics Stephen K. Medvic, author, "In Defense of Politicians" Electing more people of independent means couldn't reduce the amount of corruption in American politics to any significant extent because there isn't much to begin with. The Rich and Their Feedback-Free Bubble Jack White, The Root Enormous wealth can infect politicians with a sense of entitlement that isolates them from the concerns of ordinary people. Case in point: Mitt Romney. Self-Funded Campaigns Have Bad Track Records Eric M. Uslaner, author, "Corruption, Inequality, and the Rule of Law" We shouldn't be so concerned whether those who fund their campaigns will be less prone to corruption. They mostly won't win at all. It's Better to Focus on How Best to Stop Corruption Meena Bose, Hofstra University Nonpartisan primaries, so local party leaders have less power, and public campaign financing, so candidates focus on issues not fundraising, would help.