Even after elected, many of them spend a large part of their time raising money for their re-election. Few electors in any district actually hold any of their representatives accountable for their performance. This is why most of them are easily re-elected. And Yes, politicians get to keep whatever they raise. This is one of the bigger reasons why people become multi-millionaires making $175k a year for 30 years. That and those amazing investment opportunities provided to their spouses and other family members.