Recently several members of the US Congress who have resigned in  
disgrace (Foley, Ney, Cunningham) appear to blame alcohol for their  
downfall.  There is a support group in Congress for acknowledged  
alcoholics (most famous participant, Patrick Kennedy).  Has there  
been any research on alcoholism in the US Congress or in politics in  
general, whether American or in other countries, for recent times or  
historically?  Politicians (and journalists) have a reputation for  
heavy drinking, but I don't know whether in fact they are more likely  
to be alcoholics than college professors or dentists or auto  
mechanics.  I define alcoholism as drinking that affects personal or  
work life adversely.