It’s tough to be a Member of Congress involved in a Congressional ethics scandal. Do you apologize? Just stay quiet? Try to bribe your way out of it? Fortunately, scandal-plagued Members now can refer to a handy new flowchart drawn up by the folks at Slate to determine whether they’ll survive their ordeals.

For example, a Member could survive a sex scandal involving a teenage male page, so long as instant messaging hadn’t been invented. (See: former Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Gerry Studds.) However, if instant messaging is involved, that Member is out, much like what happened with former Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.).

However, it isn’t clear from the chart whether Reps. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) will survive their current ethics predicaments.

Guess we’ll have to wait this one out …

Overheard on the Hill

“I would consider myself reasonably well trained at this point because they are certainly fastidious and serious about imparting certain skills.”

— Actress Ashley Judd on the political skills gained while she earned a master’s degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The star told the online radio program “Milling About” she also would consider running for office, but added, “I’m not sure at this time it’s the best use of me.”

Can’t get enough HOH? Get a midday dose of fun and gossip with HOH’s One-Minute Recess, delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here — because everyone deserves more recess.

Submit your hot tips, juicy gossip or comments here.