Wall Street demonstrators in the US say politicians from both major parties are to blame for policies they say protect corporate America.
The sex scandal that forced New York Representative Anthony Weiner from Congress last week capped a season of dishonour for male politicians.
Earlier this year, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger feuded bitterly with Democrats in the Legislature over government reform measures he wants voters to consider in a special election this November. Lately, however, the partisan chill has begun to thaw as recent polls have shown both sides are losing ground.