Ten days after confessing that he had sent sexually provocative online messages to several women, the New York Democrat bowed to pressure and resigned from Congress on June 16, 2011.

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Political scandals and gaffes of 2011

Ten days after confessing that he had sent sexually provocative online messages to several women, the New York Democrat bowed to pressure and resigned from Congress on June 16, 2011. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

In October, the Republican presidential candidate faced allegations of sexual harassment by three woman while another alleged inappropriate sexual behavior. In November, an Atlanta woman claimed that she had a long-term affair with the candidate. Cain announced Dec. 3, that he was suspending his campaign because of the toll the scandal has taken on his family. (Al Behrman / Associated Press)

Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann, who received a lot of unfavorable media attention for comments that some claimed mixed up movie icon John Wayne with serial killer John Wayne Gacy, was campaigning in Spartanburg, S.C., on Aug. 16 when she urged her supporters to wish Elvis Presley happy birthday. Unfortunately, it was the 34th anniversary of Presley’s death. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

The Oregon Democrat resigned from Congress in July, following allegations of sexual misconduct with a teenager. The Oregonian newspaper reported that the teenage daughter of a Wu associate called the congressmans office earlier this year to accuse him of an unwanted sexual encounter over Thanksgiving. Wu, 56, acknowledged the incident but said it was consensual, the paper reported. (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)

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