North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue’s recent trial balloon, that maybe we ought to take a pass on the 2012 congressional elections to allow legislators to “focus on fixing things”, may have  been wrongheaded – to be kind.  But it wasn’t criminal.  Well, unless they’ve outlawed stupidity.  Hell, in some parts, this kind of thinking might even be regarded as prescient.  Unfortunately for Ms. Perdue, among these places are Caracas, Damascus, and Havana.  Something she is likely to be reminded of when she runs for reelection next year.

Her comments did cause us to look back to a few other Democrats of recent vintage who treated us to far more scandalous, what-were-they-thinking  flameouts.  Three legislators who had risen to the top of their fields – a Vice Presidential candidate, a big-state Governor, and a member of the House … well, two out of three anyway.  Yet by displaying all of the restraint and self control of Cindy Sheehan at a Dick Cheney tribute, each managed to steer their growing bandwagons directly into the ditch.

I refer here to Mssrs. Edwards, Spitzer and Weiner.  Republicans of course are not immune to political self immolation.  But since our traditional media outlets can reliably be counted on to trumpet their indiscretions unendingly, a little turnabout is fair play.

Of these three, at least Edwards and Spitzer tried to cover their tawdry tracks, using fake names and various other ruses when arranging their hotel rendezvous.  Still, Edwards’ obfuscations were so transparent that even the National Enquirer saw through them.  And Spitzer’s Client 9 shenanigans were quickly exposed by federal wiretaps.  Anthony Weiner, on the other hand, seemingly went out of his way to out himself with multiple tweets, photos and recipients – the inanity trifecta.  

Now if Governor Perdue’s proposal had been in place, chances are that Weiner would still be a Congressman today.  Not having to face voters for 3 ½ years and with just a House censure likely in his future, there would have been ample incentive to ride things out.  Hmmm, maybe this is what should make its way into a 2012 campaign ad …