Statehouses Often Look Like Frat Houses

[flashl]

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Of all the wisecracks heard in the marble halls of New York's Capitol after Gov. Eliot Spitzer's downfall in a call-girl scandal, one jest enlightened as much as it stung: Spitzer's got to be the only guy in Albany who PAYS for sex.

It is an open secret that there is a lot of fooling around going on at the statehouse. And at other statehouses, too.

...

At night, legislators, young staffers, younger interns, lobbyists and reporters mix at two or three bars just blocks from the Capitol. And there are numerous receptions, campaign stops and caucuses where lawmakers, straight and gay alike, often have many opportunities for a hookup.

Up until just a few years ago, lawmakers would go ''window shopping'' for interns at the start of every legislative session. In a practice that went on for decades, the interns would be corraled in a Capitol newsstand so that legislators could pick their office help based on their looks, not their resumes.

The hanky-panky even has its own lexicon: There's the ''Bear Mountain Compact,'' which says that what goes on north of the state park just outside New York City stays there. Lobbyists, staffers and reporters who seek to enhance their influence by bedding powerful lawmakers are known as ''big game hunters.'' And the men who sleep with the women lawmakers are ''boy toys.''

NY Times

Now we know, there is no expectation for a fratboy to give attention or pass bills related to petty public policy decisions.

[mac2]

1. Power and ego can bring a downfall.

What are they doing to bring the public trust back after Clinton's sex scandal?

[Vincardog]

3. They did have tghe Guckert/Gannon sleep overs but that did not seem to make the SnewZ.

[tbyg52]

2. Yep, there's a blog in my local rag

that supposedly covers Washington politics, but really only covers politicians and hangers-on partying. Rather disgusting, when you consider that while they are partying, soldiers and civilians are dying.

[mac2]

4. Or covers what the religious leaders are doing and saying.

Who cares but their flock?

You are right to be outraged. It is all a distraction so they don't address real issues.

[Clear Blue Sky]

5. No wonder the legislators get nothing of substance done.

[galledgoblin]

6. whoa

which bars? I stick to the ones in the Lark Street neighborhood of Albany, guess I gotta try closer to downtown!! :P

[fascisthunter]

7. Rich Kids Getting Powerful Positions Due to Who They Know?????

I'm shocked.... and folks wonder why intelligent people with lot's of money understand why inherited wealth leads to corruption in a country.

We must maintain a tax on inheritance. Let the rich pampered pricks whine!

[Aptastik]

8. I was just up in Albany last week lobbying for congestion pricing

and I gotta say, I was BLOWN AWAY at how many legislators had stunningly beautiful secretaries. There were a few meetings that I didn't want to attend just so I could sit and stare at these women. This doesn't surprise me one bit. I'm gonna go apply for some internships!