How US voters react to politicians' infidelity
Republicans are less likely than Democrats to support a candidate who was unfaithful, poll shows.
from the July 12, 2007 edition
Page 3 of 3
"Much has to do with the politician and how they react to the story," says Kyle Kreider, professor of political science at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. "If the politician appears callous or indifferent to the 'sin,' the public usually does not give the politician a pass. However, if the politician [admits] to it and appears remorseful, the public now is quick to forgive."
In the case of Mayor Villaraigosa, most observers agree that he has been open about his extramarital affair and his wife's pursuit of a divorce – at least since news of the scandal broke. But his emphasis on his family during the 2005 mayoral campaign and his use of family pictures on his official website may come back to haunt him, they say.
"Antonio sold himself as a role model father and husband and therefore is raising the issue of trust for voters," says Sherry Jeffe, a political scientist at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. But by the next mayoral election in 2009, "how he has performed in office will be much more in the front of voters' minds."
If the Pew poll is correct, Republican Senator Vitter may face a more negative reaction from conservative voters in Louisiana than Democrat Villaraigosa in liberal L.A. However, he also quickly admitted wrongdoing after news leaked out. "Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling," he told the Associated Press in an e-mail.
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