So, I've been thinking about this for a while - since Carly Fiorina ran for Senate actually - why do high net-worth individuals spend millions of their own dollars in an effort to get elected to public office?

Is public office a certain class of investment?

How is that investment repaid - speaking engagements, gifts and favors?

This question bothers me and bothered me even more during the Romney campaign.

Please help.

I feel that, for many, personal ego is the primary driver. I think at a certain point financial success alone is no longer enough motivation and people look for other means of validation.

I do notice many congressmen enter congress thousandaires and leave millionaires, but for the Meg Whitman/Carly Fiorina/Mitt Romney types, i think its personal ego.

I agree with Jason, a big factor is ego. There is also the need for power and status. Of course, they may just want to do good, but seeing the results of what our politicians have accomplished, I would find that hard to believe. And always, "just follow the money".

I have a tough time believing that these intangible, emotional drivers would make someone spend a decent percentage of their net worth.

Meg Whitman spent $144 million of her 1.3 billion net worth on trying to become CA governor. Carly spent at least $5.5 million. Mitt didn't spend near as much of his own money, but still, $250,000 is not a small amount.

So, they ran at least a gut risk/reward calculation in their minds to see if this venture is worth investing in. They are all savvy people who have accumulated this wealth by being very calculating when it comes to choosing what to do to grow money.

Is the difference here that they are betting on themselves, not some third-party? Does ego make them stupid investors?

Bill Gates is giving a way billions to charity and has transitioned his focus from making money to making a difference. I think plenty of successful people eventually need new challenges to continue to motivate themselves. A successfull person eventually will look to try to impart thier values and philosophy upon others. For some CEO's thier outlet is writing a book, for others it means going inti Entertainment, and others politics. Donald Trump is the poster child of wanting it all. Trump needs more than money to feed his enormous ego.