Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/political-strategists-gauge-iraq-foley-fallout-on-elections Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Transcript Political analysts discuss how recent revelations about the Iraq war and messages former Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., sent to congressional interns may impact the upcoming midterm elections and possibly shift the balance of power in Congress. Read the Full Transcript Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. GWEN IFILL: But first, the Mark Foley affair and new revelations about Iraq have rocked the political world. Could it also shift the balance of power in Congress? A new Wall Street Journal-NBC News poll found 41 percent of those surveyed said recent events have given them a less favorable view of Republican control; 18 percent said they have a more favorable view; while 35 percent said recent events have had no effect.Democrats have seized on what they see as new vulnerability. One House candidate, Patty Wetterling in Minnesota, has already gone on the air with this ad. POLITICAL AD NARRATOR: It shocks the conscience: Congressional leaders have admitted covering up the predatory behavior of a congressman who used the Internet to molest children. For over a year, they knowingly ignored the welfare of children to protect their own power. GWEN IFILL: So is this story resonating? And does it hurt all incumbents or just Republicans? For that, we turn to Democratic political strategist Stanley Greenberg and Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Ron Carey.Mr. Carey, I'd like to start with you, because you are coping with — I guess is one way to put it — an open seat race for the governor of Minnesota, U.S. Senate, I believe it's eight House seats, and the entire legislature all on the ballot. Is there any trickledown in this sort of Washington scandal? RON CAREY, Minnesota Republican Party Chairman: Well, you know, we take this seriously. Obviously, Mark Foley was wrong. It's disgusting what Mark Foley did, and I think Republicans are united in saying that this was inappropriate behavior and cannot be tolerated.I certainly agree with our own Minnesota congressman, Jim Ramstad's, call for a thorough investigation. I hope Congress does follow through. And Mr. Foley needs to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.You know, people here in Minnesota are more concerned, I think, about the Twins at this point in time. I mean, while this is serious, life goes on. And this election still comes down to a choice, a choice between, you know, the failed liberal policies of the Democrats in a state versus the opportunity society and the commonsense values the Republicans are presenting.