New York Times - For David Vitter Obama is the Gift that Keeps on Giving

There is an excellent article in the New York Times on Senator David Vitter of Louisiana. See Obama Factor Plays to Senator’s Advantage

I found this very predictable. They of of course talk about the BIG question.

Mr. Vitter is aware of this, having seen his favorability ratings fall after the admission. “I addressed it very directly in 2007 and said it was a very serious sin and apologized very directly,” he said in the interview. “I’ve said that, and I’m sure I’ll repeat that.”

Influential religious figures in the state, while acknowledging their disappointment with Mr. Vitter, say worries about Democratic policies may overshadow everything else.

“Most assuredly Senator Vitter has his baggage,” said T. F. Tenney, bishop emeritus of the Pentecostals of Louisiana. “But on the other hand, the representative is identified with the party that has a lot more liberal baggage. Now how are people going to weigh that out — are they going to vote for a party, or are they going to vote for the man?”

Mr. Hardy and others say that Mr. Vitter may have a problem with women, who tend to be a little less forgiving about these kinds of things.

Then again, it is Louisiana, which has its own brand of moral philosophy. Take Acadiana, where this election will likely be won or lost.

“The Cajun mentality has never admired someone who is untrue to their spouse,” said Morgan Goudeau, a Democrat who was the district attorney of St. Landry Parish for 24 years. “But if it’s going to be done, it would be better done with a prostitute than with a neighbor’s wife.”

I think the quotes from the religious leaders are important. In my view Louisiana residents regardless of race or religion or party seem to be very forgiving of sins of the flesh. Pentecostals , that have their own episodes with this regarding Pastors, very much so. They voted for Edwin Edwards in bloc all the time. If Melancon cannot carry those Penetecost heavy Parishes I think he is toast.

In the Baptist North where I live in it seems that Vitter's past discretions are not a big deal. It rarely comes up in townhalls.

So we shall see. The democrats have to be careful how they handle this. If they make it a huge issue it very well could backfire.

But in the end it seems a lot of folks are comfortable with Vitter. It also helps that Vitter has a pretty good staff in State that is devoted to him and is effective. You call them up and they get a answer back to you. That cannot be said at times of another U.S. Senator.

This election in Louisiana will be Nationalized. How Melancon is going to convince people that his party line votes he will have to make for Dem leadership which would make Cap and Trade more likely is no big deal. That is a far bigger issue and huge issue in his own backyard.

Update I

Why out of the thousand pictures of Vitter did the Times choose a goofy looking one :)