While Democrats have been plagued by money scandals (former House Speaker Jim Black, Rep. Thomas Wright and Rep. Mary McAlister) and DMV scandals (Director George Tatum’s abrupt resignation), Republicans – at least for the past week – seem fixated on sex. First, Rep. David Almond resigned amid rumors he had sexually harassed a state employee. Then newspapers reported former Republican Legislator (and head of the Christian Action League and current Cabarrus County Commissioner) Coy Privette had been charged with soliciting a prostitute in Salisbury (WSOTV.com). Then the Southern Pines Pilot reported allegations Rep. Joe Boylan (who defeated former Speaker Richard Morgan) had groped Democratic Rep. Tricia Cotham (who replaced former Speaker Black) at Sullivan’s Steakhouse while intoxicated. (Boylan adamantly denies the allegations but other legislators say – off the record – Cotham reported the incident then decided not to file a complaint.)

The North Carolina State House has turned into a circus with barkers, shrills, and, now, a burlesque show. Let’s hope, soon, they send in the clowns. There have to be clowns.