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Why Can't Congress Keep It In Their Pants?

by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas

Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 06:38 PM CDT

From Politico:

Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign said Tuesday evening he is “truly sorry” about an affair he had last year with a campaign staffer, going public with an embarrassing admission about his marital infidelity.
The news certainly damages any hope Ensign has of running for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012 – he had fueled speculation about a presidential run with a recent visit to Iowa — and it may also hinder what has been a steady rise in Senate GOP leadership.
Political insiders in the Senate and in Nevada told POLITICO that Ensign began an affair with a staffer several months after he separated from his wife. When Ensign reconciled with his wife, the sources said, he gave the aide a severance package and parted ways.

Democrats aren't immune from this -- John Edwards, anyone? But I've got to ask -- what is it about Congress, and politicians especially, that they can't keep it in their pants? These are people -- I think entirely men (I can't think of any women cheating) -- that have chosen to serve in possibly the most public and visible workforces in the country.

I think some armchair sociology/psychology about about the trends of infidelity in the workplace -- especially in regard to government work -- could be an interesting discussion, but I really don't even know where to start. Anyone have any ideas?

Tags: John Ensign, National Politics, Other Stuff, (All Tags)

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Why Can't Congress Keep It In Their Pants? | 6 comments

Think it interesting that (0.00 / 0)

the article suggests this will hurt his chances at the 2012 Presidential Primary. I'd use it to his advantage and say its out of his system and it lessens the chances of any repeats of past Chief Executive indiscretions.

Seriously, I have no idea (other than that they are not very bright) why they think they can't get caught. They are in the public eye constantly and there is always a rival in your own party or someone from the other party looking for a misstep.

by: sdhook @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 01:47:15 AM UTC

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Out of his system? (0.00 / 0)

I agree. He should run on that in 2012. It's a winner.

by: Elsbeth @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 01:57:54 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Power (0.00 / 0)

It is all about power. People in power; disproportionately believe they can do whatever they feel like, without anyone being the wiser. Think of the amount of president's who have had extramarital affairs; FDR, JFK, Clinton (this is not to impugn Democrats only, but no famous Republican presidents, who had extramarital affairs, comes to mind). It always seems to be the ones with abnormally large ego's, and because of their position of power, feel that they can do as they please.

by: TexasReb @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 14:56:50 PM UTC

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Hypocritical politicians (0.00 / 0)

Affairs and hooking up with inappropriate partners is human nature. Lack of self control, but nonetheless natural. But what makes these cases worse are the hypocritical aspects. Ensign was quick to call for Clinton to resign, even called out Larry Craig, and was part of Promise Keepers. And then he performs an immoral act right after judging everyone else.

by: John McClelland @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:41:00 PM UTC

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Where to .... (0.00 / 0)

start? How 'bout Greek mythology, Satyr. Described as roguish but faint-hearted folk - subversive and dangerous, yet shy and cowardly. Can be found roaming the woods & mountains (halls of Congress and White House), often associated with sex (power) drive and vase painters (lobbyists) often portray them with perpetual erections.

by: nannybell @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 18:49:36 PM UTC

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They can't keep it in their pants because... (3.00 / 1)

they're people.

Hate to break it to ya, but human beings in general tend to have a hard time keeping it in their pants. If that weren't the case, well, I doubt we'd have flown past that 6,000,000,000 population mark a while ago.

We just hear about it because they're in the public eye. It's like Alan Jackson says, "It keeps goin' on, as long as they keep it outta sight..."

by: ElsieElsie @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 18:58:51 PM UTC

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Why Can't Congress Keep It In Their Pants? | 6 comments

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