I think that's a question all voters should be asking themselves...Of course there's always gonna be those that think these candidates do it for the good of humanity or whatever but the bottom line is these people aren't concerned about the paycheck they get from the position, they are getting tons of money from payoffs from lobbyists and corporations and then most of them end up getting a position with one of the corporations they were backed by and funded and groomed to run for president in the first place....the men (and women) running for president aren't there to ensure you or my freedoms and well being are taken care of..they are there to ensure legislation is enacted (or blocked if it may be detrimental to) that benefits the corporations that have vested interests in said candidate and their agendas.

Companies set up their players, find their kind, groom him for office, ensure he gets in and then makes sure he does what is gonna benefit them, not the people and then when his term is over he is rolling in cash.

gotta love democracy in a capitalist state.

...the "perks" that go along with the job? <<Coughing>>Intern s!!!

The high price put on ego gratification?

It's not their own money (for the most part) that they spend to get there. That gets them primed for doing the "job" once they're in office: spending other people's money.

For the power prestidge and the fact they can lock up great lobbying jobs once their term ends. Not to mention they are automatically eligable for retirement after the first day there.

the job might pay only $75,000 but just think about all the kickbacks that person will receive for voting on things that help the big business that gives him or her money under the table. a few politicians run for office because they care but the majority run to get rich.

An Ego Power Trip and more money than sense.

Lust for power.

People like our current Mayor in NYC think they are smarter than the rest of us. They want the power. He over turned term limits to run again. He bought the election with his Millions. We do not know much about his opponent.
He has done well on Terrorism but he favors the wealthy. The Middle class has been neglected.
Those of us who are smart are angry. We are to busy taking care of our families and working to do much.

no one runs for office for the money. chances are, it's because they want to change something, improve something, or right something that they see as a major wrong.

lest my answer be incomplete, i guess i should add power. money does not always equal power and power is very alluring (makes you feel powerful).