text: This presents an interesting paradox. Most politicians are worth substantially less than $0.00, so the prospect of offering a raise is immediately objectionable. If we offered high salaries, however, we could expect to see some better qualified applicants for the positions. Would you hire a volunteer CEO to run your company? Would you expect that person to be competent? After all, why would they work for free if someone were willing to pay them? 
  
  Of course, the problem with paying politicians is that some will confuse politics with an actual career. Careerists are the last thing we need in public office. I would prefer high salaries coupled with short term limits for elected offices.