This is something I wonder about (and admire as well):

"A USA Today survey last weekend revealed that three in 10 Californians said Mr Schwarzenegger's lack of experience made them more likely to vote for him. The American ideal of upright citizen politicians - not career politicians - stretches as far back as George Washington..."
"They (inexperienced politicians) overflow with self-confidence - sometimes too much, critics say - and are risk-takers, willing to ignore the naysayers who question their qualifications. They also tend to focus on the big picture rather than the details of governance."