Ten political philanderers who got away with it

Will he go? Won't he go? As Govenor Sanford's political future hangs in the balance, 10 politicians who survived a public airing of their dirty laundry.

David Vitter

After the Louisiana senator’s name was uncovered amongst the phone records released a D.C. Madam, the senator publicly apologized - also announcing his confession to God - with his wife by his side. Sounds familiar.

But here’s where Vitter’s story diverges from the traditional model (think Spitzer..). The story dissolved, and Vitter got on with his life. 

Surivial tactic: A Democratic governor would have chosen his successor. Republicans discovered a hidden store of empathy.

Barney Frank

A Democratic U.S. congressman for nearly 30 years and the first openly gay member of the House, Barney Frank almost undid his career in 1989 after his lover, Steve Gobie told all. Including his occupation as a male prostitute. Working from Frank’s home. 

Survival tactic: Frank requested an investigation by the House ethics committee, which proved, after 10 long months, that he hadn’t known what was going on under his roof. He went on to win several reelections by wide margins.

Francois Mitterrand

When Francois Mitterrand died, the world learned the secret kept by a small circle throughout his presidency of France: for decades he had lived a double life. Anne Pingeot was less mistress than alternative wife with whom he had a daughter.

Survival tactic: The discretion of a tight inner circle

John F Kennedy

Move over Clinton. The youngest president to be elected to the White House, JFK lured air hostesses, models and Marilyn Monroe. Yet his reputation remained untarnished

Survival tactic: Universal adoration

Silvio Berlusconi

Italy's Prime Minister has been bogged down in an endless sex scandal in recent months, featuring, amongst other things: a messy divorce, allegations that he slept with a minor, a prostitute’s kiss and tell and photos of naked parties.

Survival tactic: Buy some media outlets. Then buy more. 

Jerry Springer

In 1974, a raid on a Kentucky brothel uncovered a check written for a prostitute's services and signed by Jerry Springer, then serving in Cincinnati's city council. 

Survival tactic: Springer came clean in a press conference and resigned. City residents were so impressed by his candour that they reelected him in 1975 and made him mayor in 1979

Paddy Ashdown

Ashdown’s marriage and career weathered an illicit affair with his secretary, Tricia Howard, even surviving the nickname, given him by The Sun, ‘Paddy Pantsdown’.

Survival tactic: Howard was five years older than him, a factor that may (possibly?) have helped with the older female vote

Mark Oaten

Oaten’s career (not to mention his marriage) hung in the balance in 2006 when it transpired that he had been soliciting rent boys on the internet.

Survival tactic: At the 11th hour, Oaten came up with the brilliant excuse that he had paid for affection because he was worried about going bald. Whether through sympathy or because he had given everyone a good laugh, it worked. He resigned as shadow home secretary but remained MP for Winchester

Lord Boothby

Where to start with Lord Boothby? There were  the accusations of an affair with Ronald Kray, tales of numerous flings with married women…

But most spectacular was the way in which he managed to cuckold his own Prime Minister, fathering, it is suspected, Harold Macmillan's fourth child.

Survival tactic: Pure audacity? He managed to make PPS to Churchill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food and the House of Lords in 1958. He sought the seat in the Lords from Macmillan, even though the PM knew of his affair with Dorothy. Macmillan appointed him.

Bill Clinton

And finally… Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey, Juanita Broaddrick, Gennifer Flowers, Elizabeth Ward Gracen, Sally Perdue, Dolly Kyle Browning, Monica Lewinksy and a humiliating impeachment trial... yet Bill Clinton served out his second term and his marriage remains intact.

Survival tactic: His economic approval was high and disapproval of his sexual behavior was only high among people who didn’t want to vote for him anyway.