This is a huge blow to Republicans because any scandal that involves sex will reach a broad audience. After all of the hubub surrounding the Abramoff scandal, it had a relatively small amount of political fallout (if any). The Randy “Duke” Cunningham and Bob Ney resignations over bribery didn’t have a widespread effect becuase people discount for politicians being corrupt. But the Foley story has tabloid appeal and should continue to generate headlines. If the trail about how much Republican leaders knew and when they knew it runs dry in the next few days, the damage may be limited to Foley’s congressional district. But if revelations start coming out in dribs and drabs over the next few weeks suggesting Hastert knew more than he’s saying he did, this could be the final nail in the coffin for Republicans. Democrats may have in the Foley scandal the perfect symbol of Republicans becoming too arrogant with power, adding more force to the “Throw the bums out” argument.