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A hurricane that has slammed into the United States has taken attention away from the race for president - as both major political parties select their nominees over the next 10 days. But a recent storm of a different kind serves as a reminder that mistakes and scandals have often had an impact on America’s political campaigns. Just as Republicans were preparing to introduce Mitt Romney to the nation, a little known US Senate candidate sparked a controversy. Congressman Todd Akin was asked if abortion should be allowed for a victim of rape. “If it is a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down,” Akin said. Democrats like President Barack Obama were quick to pounce. “The views expressed were offensive; rape is rape,” Obama said. Akin apologized, but the damage was done as the media spotlight shifted for Romney. “The timing could not be worse. The last thing Mitt Romney wants to focus on is abortion and social issues,” said Allan J. Lichtman, a political historian at American University. The Sea of Galilee, where the Bible says Jesus walked on water, was the location for yet another embarrassing event. During an official trip to Israel, Republican Congressman Kevin Yoder decided to go skinny dipping. “It’s obviously a mistake and something I regret,” Yoder said. Some mistakes cost candidates their careers. | 
