Read All About It ... Washington DC's history of scandal

If you're compiling a list of local scandals a nd the people behind them (and, really, how can you resist?), it quickly becomes clear that the Washington area is a capital region in more ways than one. From Deborah Jeane Palfrey and Jack Abramoff to Robert Hanssen and Marion Barry, there's no shortage of colorful characters whose deeds have set local, and even international, tongues wagging. As it has been around the globe and throughout time, "wherever you've got a lot of money and power concentrated, you're going to find somebody to abuse it," notes Zachary Schrag, a historian and assistant professor of history at George Mason University. No wonder Washington is such a hotbed of hanky-panky.

But just in case you think we live in a particularly scandal-ridden era, we took a look at some of the early -- and lesser known -- names in the local guide book of questionable behavior. Some were victims of their time -- engaging in behavior we'd scarcely bat an eyelash at today -- while others have no one to blame but themselves. Whether they were following their hearts or their wallets -- or something else below the belt -- they'll all be remembered for giving D.C. something to talk about.