Spitzer case highlights a culture of misconduct

At night legislators, young staffers, lobbyists, and reporters mix at two or three bars just blocks from the Capitol. And there are numerous receptions, campaign stops, and caucuses where lawmakers often have opportunities for sexual liaisons.

The hanky-panky even has its own lexicon: There's the "Bear Mountain Compact," which says that what goes on north of the state park just outside New York City stays there. Lobbyists, staffers, and reporters who seek to enhance their influence by bedding powerful lawmakers are known as "big game hunters." And the men who sleep with the female lawmakers are "boy toys."

"Unfortunately, many of the people who seek public office are flawed people to begin with, and the environment in Albany just tends to bring that out," said Paul Clyne, former district attorney in Albany.

Up until a few years ago, lawmakers would go "window shopping" for interns at the start of every legislative session. In a practice that went on for decades, the interns would be corralled in a Capitol newsstand, and legislators would take their pick.

In 2004 Clyne issued a scathing report on the internship program, famously saying he would never let his daughter become an intern. The report led to changes in the program, including an end to fraternization between lawmakers and interns outside the office.

"There was a lot hitting on us and boundaries being crossed," said one female lobbyist who was part of that scene for years.

In truth, the phenomenon is not new, and it's not confined to Albany. By many accounts, the same thing goes on at other state capitals, particularly where the state house is far from the main population centers and lawmakers stay overnight several times a week. Men and women outside politics are prone to some of the same behavior when they go on business trips.

"One of the things about Washington and every state capital is for some people it's like going to a convention," said state Assemblyman John McEneny. "What happens is you get individuals who would not behave the same way if they had the disapproval of friends and neighbors keeping an eye on them."