What Determines Whether a Political Scandal Will Stick

Prime Minister Paul Martin receives a standing ovation after responding to questions concerning the sponsorship scandal in the House of Commons on April 20, 2004. The scandal became a significant factor in the defeat of the Liberals in the 2006 federal election after more than 12 years in power. CP Photo/Tom Hanson

News Analysis

Although polls show some decrease in support for the Liberals due to revelations they handed a large contract to a charity with ties to the prime minister’s family sans a bidding process, few people are ready to drop their support for the party.