[RickM]

To the original question:

I went to school with a guy who was pretty much as "normal" as they come. Having a good work ethic he applied himself to become an attorney. He started his "political career" with a local Town Council position and after a few years and a lot of hard work he was appointed the US Attorney General for NJ. I don't think he was especially connected in the beginning but was dedicated and focused. I saw him recently and he couldn't be happier.

IMO, some political positions are much more thankless than others.