Photos: 2006's worst political mishaps

Fraternity parties often have uninvited guests. Usually, they're local cops who've come to shut down the mischief. But members of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity at upstate New York's Union College were probably quite shocked by an unexpected after-midnight visitor to one of their on-campus parties in April: local Congressional representative John Sweeney. According to the Albany Times-Union, Rep. Sweeney was visibly intoxicated when he arrived.

Here's the thing about college kids. They all have digital cameras, and they love to use them at parties. Consequently, a Union College student managed to get plenty of incriminating photographs. And within hours, they'd hit the blogosphere. No amount of excuse-making from Rep. Sweeney's office could cover this one up.

Sweeney lost his bid for re-election on Nov. 7 to Democratic challenger Kirsten Gillibrand, partially because he was plagued by allegations of domestic abuse. But don't worry, Congressman. Those Alpha Delta Phi brothers will probably welcome you back with open arms.