It doesn’t matter which political party has more cheating husbands, more corrupt officials or more bad personal press on the airwaves – the problem is that it happens at all in politics, which makes the political arena as a whole look dishonest and corrupt.

Sure, Republicans look better when Democrats like former Congressman Jefferson are found to have $90,000 in the freezer, but, in the bigger picture of government, it makes all players look untrustworthy. Why are these scandals used as a tactic to highlight the other party’s faults in making one look less bad in the media? Why are so many people elected that have bad character?

Both in recent history and beyond, both parties have used diversionary tactics; pointing the finger at whose political representatives are more scandalous and corrupt rather than face bad press on substantive policy issues. The fact of the matter is that both Democrats and Republicans have had their share of corrupt officials. Even though one should not, and does not, choose a party based on its corruption and personal scandal tab, they do add to the public perception of a given party. Character does matter.

Adultery and corruption scandals involving politicians, are not a crime, and are therefore seemingly irrelevant to their ability to hold a political office. Policy and voting records are far more important and relevant factors in determining the appropriate party and electing an official. Further, corruption scandals that do involve criminal acts should reflect on the individual and others involved, not the political party as a whole. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as each scandal receives more than ample airtime; the fifteen minutes of national fame that most would never hope to receive and another sigh of disappointment to the trustworthy and honest politicians.

Although adultery, fraud, and corruption occur everyday by individuals in and out of the media radar, it seems to be more noteworthy and prevalent in government, which makes politicians’ and their role look shady. Instead of learning from a fellow politician’s downfall, many believe that, because of their power and influence, they are invincible.

In case you haven’t noticed Governor Sanford, you are not invincible. You are not only vulnerable to the consequences of cheating as much as any other man, you are also in the limelight, so everyone else gets to watch your current troubles on display like a monkey in a zoo.

Elected officials like these men tarnish the reputation of their party and position with each passing day. When will they learn that being in office means you are under a media and law enforcement microscope? When your job requires you to be a model representation of your district or state, you must be prepared to keep that promise to your constituents.

Taryn Dicterow is a Junior at University of Southern California, majoring Political Science with a minor in Spanish. Thus far, Taryn has pursued her two major passions: the arts and political affairs. She has published a play in “10 minute Plays for Teens By Teens,” competed in singing competitions and performed both on and off stage with the Laguna Playhouse, No Square Theatre, The California Conservatory of the Arts, Kids Next Door, and more. Other activities include, Executive Director of USC Young Republicans, Orange County Young Republicans, Gamma Phi Beta, Undergraduate Student Government Internal Affairs (USC), and various levels of involvement in student film projects.

During the Spring of 2009, Taryn interned for both state Senator Tom Harman and Congressman John Campbell, learning more about the federal and state processes and issues pertinent to her constituency as well as the nation. Over the summer, Taryn interned at Gen-Next, writing articles for news updates and letters, planning events and more.

We’re happy to welcome Taryn to our Dana Report team. Fight On!