Senator David Vitter and the DC Madam Scandal

Well, I was busy trying to put all those coat of arms on my link page when this story broke. From the Washington Post:

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) apologized last night after his telephone number appeared in the phone records of the woman dubbed the "D.C. Madam," making him the first member of Congress to become ensnared in the high-profile case.
The statement containing Vitter's apology said his telephone number was included on phone records of Pamela Martin and Associates dating from before he ran for the Senate in 2004.
LINK



Well oh well.

First, since I have not introduced myself a little background. I am a conservative and a Republican. I have also campaigned for David Vitter in the past. I will also admit that Senator Vitter is not one of my favorite Senators. I think he has to0 big of a ego. As a supporter of comprehensive immigration reform , I was not too thrilled with his spirited opposition to it. I still though will support him during this crisis.

This will not come as a shock to many Louisiana voters. While he was in congress, there were similar allegations dealing with a New Orleans escort service. It was all on our statewide political talk radio. Some silly liberal bloggers in Louisiana are talking about resignation!!! That will not happen. Whatever sins Vitter has in the past have been factored in by the voters , or at least those paying attention. This currently fits that time frame.

Could there be more? Well, many of us have heard the DC staff gossip. A this point there is no evidence of it. So we shall see. Personally, I am pretty forgiving of the sins of the flesh when it comes to politicians. I am not justifying the sin, but after being up close to politicians for many years I know that this is often a tempatation. Here are my thoughts

(1) Vitter will survive this because no voters will care in 2010 when he runs again

(2)Any hope of Vitter getting the VP nod if Guillani won(already a long shot but has been discussed) has taken a serious hit.

(3)Senator Vitter, who already has made some GOP Senators upset at him, will learn a needed lesson in humility.


I shall post some Louisiana media and blogger updates before I go to bed tonight. So stay tuned for updates on this thread

Update-
Louisiana Blogger Reaction

The blogger at For The Greater Glory . who is also associated with the LSU related The Parousian Post , has some thoughts here on the scandal. HE thinks Vitter is in deep trouble. He also hints at the displeasure some have at his early endorsement of Rudy. Well this doesn't help. But at this stage I think he is all right. 2010 is a lifetime in politics

The very liberal The Katrinacrat Blog is having a field day with this here. She has a list of the usual suspects from Louisiana that of course are following this with great interest. Plenty of links from the liberal point of view so check it out.

The Lafayette Democrats are piling on here as can be expected. This is too be expected and Vitter, as well as the Republicans in this state, will have to take some of this grief for a while. I am not feeling to sorry for him right now. He is a big boy and he will can take it.

Louisiana Media
Jeff Crouere over at Bayou Buzz has a good overview of the story. I totally agree with these points he makes:
Vitter has three years to recover politically in Louisiana. He does not have to run for re-election until 2010; however, he will need to win over disillusioned supporters across the state. He is fortunate because Louisiana voters are extremely forgiving and will likely accept his plea for forgiveness and his straightforward acceptance of responsibility.

In addition to a blow to Vitter’s political stock, this development will hurt Louisiana’s position on Capitol Hill. Our clout has been declining ever since veterans like Bob Livingston, John Breaux and Billy Tauzin left Congress. Now, Louisiana’s waning influence on Capitol Hill will be lessened even more. Among Louisiana’s nine congressional members, we have a congressman under indictment and now a U.S. Senator on a madam’s escort list. At a time when this state needs full and effective representation, this news is a catastrophe.

Amen to that last part. Louisiana is hurting in the political status department. All at a time my dear state needs it the most. LOuisiana Democrats that are gloating over this should take note of that.

The New Orleans Paper has this article up. It goves some local color. I expect a more detail article later.

More tomorrow or I should say today after I catch some shuteye.