1. Christine O'Donnell's Big Night Out
Supported by the Tea Party, Christine O'Donnell found herself under a bright spotlight after winning the Republican nomination for a Delaware senate seat.
Running as a virtuous Christian, O'Donnell's past clashed with her present. She told a TV program in the '90s she'd “dabbled in witchcraft”, publicly opposed masturbation, and claimed evolution was a myth.
Late in the campaign, a website controversially published an anonymous account of a Halloween “naked sleepover” with O'Donnell, criticised pretty much by everyone.
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2. Joe Miller's Handcuffs
Up in Alaska, security guards employed by Senate candidate Joe Miller (another Tea Party endorsement) handcuffed a reporter attempting to grill the want-to-be politician on his own controversial political past.
3. Rand Paul Romper Stomper
Seemingly not content with allegations (denied) he kidnapped a woman, forced her to smoke marijuana and “worship” a god called “Aqua Buddha” while at college, Kentucky Senate candidate Rand Paul (another Tea Party endorsement) was embroiled in yet more controversy.
A supporter was arrested and charged with assault after stomping on the head of an anti-Paul demonstrator.
4. NY, NY, So Crazy They Named It Twice
The wacky race for Governor of New York State was enlivened somewhat by Jimmy McMillan of The Rent Is Too Damn High Party and Kristen Davis, boss of the prostitution ring that included disgraced former Governor Eliot Spitzer as a client.
Republican Carl Paladino exposed himself with strong anti-gay comments.
5. Glenn Beck Tried To Restore Honor
Cable talk show celebrity Glenn Beck organised a rally in Washington DC in August, billed as a rally to thank troops, but interpreted as a Tea Party, um, party. His employer, Fox News, described the crowd (estimated between 87,000 and 500,000) as 'huge'.
6. Jon Stewart Restores Sanity
Comedian Jon Stewart organised a rally in Washington DC in October, billed as a rally to 'restore sanity' but interpreted as a festival of humour against domestic extremism. With an estimated 200,000-plus turn out, it was proof that not all Americans are nuts.
7. Sarah Palin, Unelected, Remember?
Sarah Palin hogged headlines and made speeches, her genuine popularity still seemingly untested after being rejected as Vice-President and quitting her governorship mid-term.
8. Governor Schwarzenegger: Won't Be Back
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been demonised by Republicans and faces the real possibility she will not be re-elected.
As Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has reached the end of his two terms, the state will also vote on legalising recreational marijuana, which some claim will inspire a big turn-out by what should actually be usually apathetic voters.
9. Sharron Angle: Asian To Me
Republican candidate Sharon Angle, another supported by the Tea Party (yes, there's a theme here) claimed two American towns were operating under Sharia law (they weren't), and wondered why autism should be covered by health insurance. In response to a question from Hispanic high school students about an anti-immigration ad she responded: “"I don't know that all of you are Latino. Some of you look a little more Asian to me.”
10. The Media Is To Blame
Everything bad in America, and the scrutiny politicians receive, is the fault of the 'lame stream' media, according to candidates who refuse to answer questions. If only it were so simple.
