"Remember the bad old days of scandals involving wads of $100 bills tucked in unmarked envelopes? Those tales, shocking at the time, seem almost quaint in light of the latest scandals.

The nation seems to have entered a new era of diamond-studded corruption and pay-to-play politics. U.S. Rep. Randy Cunningham, R-San Diego, is the poster boy of corruption, who filled up on millions worth of antiques, rugs and ultra-friendly real-estate deals provided by defense contractors. For scale and showiness, he deserves first place in the disgrace race.

But he may be a small-timer compared to others. He wasn't a party leader or even in charge of a big-money committee. His demise won't unhinge national or state politics because his heavily Republican San Diego district isn't likely to change hands."

Get the Story:
A culture of corruption (The San Francisco Chronicle 11/30)

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