Public Official Sex Scandal
Week Three – Thought Paper
“Sex, and Scandal in the Tales of Three Governors”
Three governors in recent years have left offices (two resigned) under swirling clouds of
illicit sex while in public service. We remember the case of Governor Elliot Spitzer of
New York, and his dalliances with the prostitute, “Kristen” of the Emperor’s Club VIP.
Then there was Governor Mark Sanford went AWOL from office for six days, to have
one of his routine trysts with his “exotic, soul mate” and paramour, Maria Belen Capur,
in Argentina. Who can forget the “Terminator” aka Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s
confession that he had an extramarital affair, resulting in a child with his employee Patty
Buena.
***What kinds of wrongdoing do these activities constitute?***
Things to consider: It is an impeachable act – legal, offense for a
governor to have extramarital affairs while in public office? Is such
behavior morally wrong? What kind of message does this kind of behavior send to the
public about the honor and moral compasses of the folks who are entrusted with the
highest public offices in their respective states? What about those public officials who
speak publicly about “God’s Laws”, but then violate them in private?
