July 10, 2007

Vitter Caught In D.C. Madam's Cross Hairs

It's been a rough year for New Orleans politicians. Just one month after Rep. William Jefferson (D) was indicted on 16 counts of bribery and fraud, Sen. David Vitter (R) has become the first member of Congress officially ensnared in the controversy surrounding the so-called D.C. Madam -- Deborah Jeane Palfrey.

The Louisiana senator released a statement late yesterday apologizing for his patronage of Palfrey's alleged prostitution ring. The disclosure of Vitter's involvement in the scandal came when Palfrey was granted permission to publish the phone records of her escort service, Pamela Martin & Associates.

"This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible," Vitter said in his statement. "Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there with God and them."

Although Vitter's indiscretions are just coming to Washington's attention this week, Salon reported on rumors of the affair just before his election in 2004. That report quotes the senator's wife, Wendy Vitter, as saying in 2000, "I'm a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary [Rodham Clinton]. If he does something like that, I'm walking away with one thing, and it's not alimony, trust me." (Hat tip: Wonkette).

The Almanac of American Politics describes the unassuming senator as "wooden in manner, a self-described loner and highly conservative." He was born in New Orleans -- a city that's no stranger to the world's oldest profession. And last year, the Senate Republican Conference chose Vitter to speak at a press conference "on the constitutional protection of marriage."

ABC News' Brian Ross has more on Palfrey's escort service. The Gate is still waiting for his dramatic re-enactment.

Posted at 11:40 AM
Posted to: David Vitter, Senate
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