Poll: Lawmakers crave money and power

A clear majority (62 percent) of adults say politicians want more power and money for the government, according to a new poll from Rassmussen Reports. 

Meanwhile, 52 percent of respondents believe most voters want the government to have less power and money, and only 21 percent of voters nationwide believe the government has the consent of the governed, the report found. 

The poll tapped the opinions of 1,000 adults between June 18 and 19. 

In an earlier poll, Rassmussen found 71 percent of all voters view the federal government as working for special interests and 70 percent believe the government and big business typically work together in ways that hurt consumers and investors.

The report states that distrust of politicians has led to 75 percent of voters participating in the study to be angry at the policies of the federal government. Sixty-three percent say it would be better for the country if most incumbents in Congress were defeated in the upcoming election. In addition, only a minority (27 percent) of respondents believe the member representing their district is the best person for the job.