Let me count the ways ...

“ NEW HAVEN — Former Republican Gov. John G. Rowland, a political rising star who crashed a decade ago in a corruption scandal, fell again Friday when a jury in federal court found him guilty in a low-rent scheme to collect secret paychecks from rich Republican congressional candidates. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Former Republican Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife were convicted Thursday of using his office to promote a dietary supplement in exchange for gifts in a public corruption case that derailed the career of a onetime rising Republican star. Texas Republican Gov. Rick Perry was indicted Friday for allegedly abusing his veto power during a dispute with a public corruption prosecutor over her drunken driving arrest -- in a case that could mar the potential 2016 presidential candidate’s political prospects. I'm just sayin'.  These have all the markings of 2005 when Howard Dean asserted that "Republicans have made their culture of corruption the norm."  Nancy Pelosi grabbed it and used it (absurdly, given the long list of Democrats whose indictments were somehow sent instead to the House ethics committee hearings) to wrest the House from the Republicans, making her Speaker.  The list of slain Republicans included ... Tom DeLay, as raw a political attack as has ever occurred.  DeLay was ultimately cleared of any wrong doing, but was forced out of his House Whip position just the same. Duke Cunningham (who manned-up to taking Jack Abramoff $$, and took his punishment, while Sen. Harry Reid, who was up to his neck in Abramoff  kickback cash went unscathed.  Rep Curt Weldon's office was raided on election day eve, to big headlines.  Supposedly to find evidence of his daughters wrong-doing??- He narrowly lost to the Democrat. Mark Foley was charged with "allegations of sending teenage boys explicit sexually solicit e-mails and instant messages."  All charges were later dropped because of lack of evidence. Rep Sue Kelly lost because she was somehow tied to Mark Foley ... Huh? U.S. Congressman Don Sherwood - Lost after an extra martial affair was made public. It's probably unfair to say that Democrats have an advantage because, for the most part, their constituencies are Lo-Fos who are themselves inured to infidelities and petty crime.  So I won't say it.  Democrats (and that incudes major media) are in full panic, so expect anything from that lot.  Won't matter if it's true, just that it muddies the election water. ”