In Michigan what do you have?  A rust belt economy of various heavy and light industry, automotive, and what used to be Coal City. He's a darn good representative and is paid to defend his district's interests. And if you haven't checked lately, the economy in Michigan really sucks.  

If you think politicians are supposed to do something other than represent their districts, such as to be hyper-altruistic, that would be political suicide. There's a reason why folks like Dingell keep getting reelected!

That's the American Way. Our country was founded on our base instincts and greed. I'm surprised you find that all so shocking.

Onward through the fog