(Newser) – John Boehner’s latest public crying episode has gotten Capitol Hill talking, and some are speculating that there’s a simple explanation for the waterworks: He’s drunk. “For years, political professionals have quietly discussed Boehner’s drinking,” writes Matt Lewis of Politics Daily. “Some have told me off the record that his mannerisms remind them of that of an alcoholic.”

Boehner’s love of wine is well-documented. He rose to power in part by throwing lavish parties, and is frequently spotted at Capitol Hill night spots. A 2008 Washington Examiner profile described him as a “heavy-smoking, hard-drinking former linebacker.” There’s even a “Drunk Boehner” blog. So is the drinking to blame for the crying? Politico once noted that Boehner “cries more often later in the day,” and he often seems to slur his words right before such outbursts (see video). Then again, Lewis quips, “If the Terry Schiavo case taught us anything, it's not to diagnose something via video.”