Recap of other scandalous NY politicians

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - Scandal has been the downfall of many New York politicians in recent years. Bad behavior seems to run rampant in various levels of government.

Former southern tier Congressman Eric Massa got caught up in accusations that he groped a male staffer. The allegations surfaced after the Democrat resigned, initially citing health concerns.

Buffalo developer and Republican Carl Paladino became embroiled in scandal during his campaign for governor when he admitted fathering a child out of wedlock. He also made headlines for his caught on camera confrontation with a New York Post editor in Lake George.

Don't forget Charles Rangel, who was censured by the House last year after being found guilty of violating ethics rules. Although he was reelected, the scandal left its mark on the Democrat's losing battle to maintain their majority in the House.

Moving on to long-time Albany political powerhouse and former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, accused of receiving kickbacks on business deals. The Republican was later convicted of fraud and sentenced to two years in prison.

And former NYS Comptroller Alan Hevesi admitted to being involved in a pay-to-play kickback scheme, receiving nearly $1 million in gifts in exchange for favoring an investment for the NYS Common Retirement Fund.

Then there's Democrat Hiram Monserrate, who was booted from the State Senate after being convicted of dragging his girlfriend through an apartment lobby.

Democrat Pedro Espada, who co-launched a 2009 coup in the State Senate, became caught up in a probe surrounding a health care clinic in New York City and was accused of using money to repay campaign debts. Espada later lost his re-election bid.

But perhaps the biggest recent scandal surrounded former Governor Eliot Spitzer, who resigned in disgrace after striking accusations that he was a client of a high-end prostitution ring.

His successor, David Paterson, was not immune to controversy. Paterson became caught up in a domestic violence probe involving a close aide. He later announced he wouldn't seek a full term. Then came the Yankees World Series ticket debacle, for which he paid a large fine.