RALEIGH -- Corruption continues to create headlines at the state legislature. A former speaker was sentenced to prison and another lawmaker resigned this week alone. Will it have a long term impact?

"I think the cumulative effect is people are saying this is why our perceptions of government are so bad," explained Peace College political professor Dr. David McLennan.

Wednesday, former Democratic House Speaker Jim Black was sentenced to five years in prison for accepting nearly $30,000 in cash for legislation. Thursday, Republican Rep. David Almond (R-Stanly) abruptly resigned after a misconduct complaint was filed against him.

"If people are cynical about their government, they're going to be cynical perhaps even more," said Mitch Kokai, John Locke Foundation.

Pundits agree the public is fed up, but will they use their vote to speak out?

"I think you're going to see a more anti-incumbancy than you saw in 2006," Dr. McLennan added. "And you know whether or not opponents can play that up."

Republicans were likely planning on using the Jim Black scandal as well as the Rep. Thomas Wright scandal next year talking about how Democrats are having corruption issues, but doesn't this latest scandal involving a Republican hurt their cause?

Kokai says past history shows it may not help or hurt either party.

"You may remember in 2006, one of the key Republican strategies in General Assembly elections was to focus on Jim Black and his scandals," Kokai said. "Look what it got them. They lost seats in the House."

"The perception could be created that Democrats don't deal with it effectively and I think long term, 2008 that could be detrimental for Democrats," Dr. McLennan added.

Lawmakers are not up for re-election until 2008. This fall's election will include mostly municipal races.