Each election the public's trust in government is reduced because, like all other reality TV, candidates' claims must be more outrageous, the truth stretched further, and the lies more enticing. This has the combined effect that only objectionable people are willing to run for office (an honest man can't come close to being elected), and the electorate becomes increasing unable to choose, since all they hear is garbage.
Lying to be elected is literally attempting to steal control of our government. It should be handled the same as any other form of treason.