Political scandals of 2012

Politics

Political scandals of 2012

Gen. David Petraeus, the former CIA director, said he “screwed up royally” in his alleged affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell.

A federal judge sentenced former Gwinnett County Commissioner Shirley Lasseter to 33 months in prison for her role in a scandal involving suspicious land deals, backroom payoffs and an undercover federal agent eager to dole out wads of cash.

Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin gained national attention when he remarked in a mid-August TV interview that women's bodies have ways of avoiding pregnancy in "legitimate rape."

Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over documents concerning "Fast and Furious," the government’s controversial gun-trafficking operation in Mexico.

U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice said her incorrect early account of the attack that killed the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans in Benghazi was based on the initial intelligence community assessments and was always subject to review and updates.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned from Congress, citing deteriorating health and his battle with bipolar disorder. He also pleaded guilty to a federal investigation, was cooperating with investigators and accepts responsibility for his "mistakes."

Former Massachusetts Treasurer Tim Cahill is on trial this month, accused of airing taxpayer-funded ads for the state lottery as a means of promoting his 2010 independent campaign for governor.

Herman Cain suspended his campaign for the GOP presidential nomination in December of 2011 after numerous claims of sexual harassment again him. The incidents remained news in the 2012 presidential campaign. He endorsed Newt Gingrich and then Mitt Romney.

1/8

Gen. David Petraeus, the former CIA director, said he “screwed up royally” in his alleged affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell.

Today's Gallery Headlines

aajc 041326 masters final round Sunday

PHOTOS: Masters 2026 Round 4

aajc 041226 Masters Round 3 Sat

PHOTOS: Masters 2026 Round 3

aajc 041026 Masters Round 1 Thur

Photos: Low-tech tradition reigns at the Masters

Masters practice round Monday

PHOTOS: Golf fashions at the Masters

More Galleries

0012406527

PHOTOS: Julian Bond — denied but not defeated

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr (right) confers with state Sen. RaShaun Kemp, D-Atlanta, at the Wild Hog supper, the traditional kickoff to the legislative session in Atlanta, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

PHOTOS: Georgia legislative session kicks off with Wild Hog Supper

Fani Willis testifies

PHOTOS: Fani Willis testifies before state Senate panel

Vance leans into pitchman role for Trump’s tax law in Georgia

PHOTO: Vice President JD Vance speaks to Georgia Republicans