Right, that's why it's so effective for them. If you can never identify your theoretical targets, then you'll be shooting puppets forever. There's an endless supply of failed/failing politicians who would love to be the next puppet on their hand because while they're going to die early, they'll have access to a luxurious lifestyle and all the attention their warped minds desire.
Because if you do kill the puppet, then what? You die or you are imprisoned. If you avoid both consequences, then you wait for the next puppet and kill it, and so it goes. There's not supposed to be a next step for you. All your vectors are impotent and ineffectual.