Ethics problems lose edge as re-election issue

RE-ELECTION PROSPECTS: In this Aug. 16, 2011, file photo, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev. speaks in North Las Vegas, Nev. Ethical clouds are hanging over at least a dozen lawmakers. Most center on complicated financial dealings rather than the headline-grabbing, sex-driven Internet scandals that have d...

ETHICAL CLOUDS: In this Nov. 20, 2006 file photo, then-Florida Republican candidate Vern Buchanan speaks in Sarasota, Fla. Ethical clouds are hanging over at least a dozen lawmakers but in most cases they don’t appear to be having much of an impact on their re-election prospects.