The vice-presidency is the stepping stone to the "real" power in the game.  Even though the job itself doesn't do anything, having your name on the ticket has ten times more cache' than being anything other than speaker of the house.

You are absolutely correct.  It will be good to see Frank go up against someone else.  I think it could lead to very interesting storylines of congressional leadership vs "unseen" establishment.  I never bought the lobbyist hitting on Claire thing anyway.  This character could bring some real gravity to many…

I don't think it is about ethics.  I think she is young and desperate, I also think she was extremely turned on by the power Frank has and she let it get out of control.  I really don't think she would give a damn (at her age) about being "pulled down" with an extremely powerful person.  Hell, look at Monica…