Does integrity matter?

In class this past week, somebody asked, why do we care so much about integrity in America? Who cares about a politicians personal life? We should be more concerned about how the person does his job. In general, i feel that integrity is very important. I really dont care how successful a person is, in whatever field, if they are a crappy person. Being a good person is much more important. However, when it comes to doing a job that has an impact on a large amount of people, it is more important how that person does the job, than what is going on in his personal life. I do feel that the media often puts too much emphasis on personal matters and not enough on the real issues and policies. Im not saying integrity doesn't matter at all. I would rather my politicians be good people and have great integrity. But when it comes to politics i'd like someone who can get the job done, first and foremost. I hope for that someone to have integrity, which he should, but if he isn't the greatest person its ok, long as he does a good job.