When all else fails, blame it on the alcohol.

This is getting to be the in-vogue version of "The devil made me do it."

Isn't it something lately how when a misdeed comes to light, the mis-deeder now inevitably heads for the nearest spin-dry center?

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Mayor Gavin Newsom said Monday that he plans to seek counseling for alcohol use, following the disclosure that he had an affair with the wife of a veteran aide.

Newsom, 39, said that although "my problems with alcohol are not an excuse for my personal lapses in judgment," he had stopped drinking and wanted professional help staying sober.

"Upon reflection with friends and family this weekend, I have come to the conclusion that I will be a better person without alcohol in my life," Newsom said in a statement.

If Mr. Newsom is not blaming alcohol for his indiscretions, why his need to broadcast his decision to seek treatment; and why is he doing so only after having been caught with his hand in another's cookie jar?

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