In search of Vitter, Day 7

Posted: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:05 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Congress

So we’ll have to wait one more day to get a glimpse of Sen. David Vitter, as he canceled a town hall that was scheduled for today. Sen. Vitter’s office released this statement yesterday: “U.S. Sen. David Vitter will reschedule his St. Helena town hall meeting to a date to be determined. Vitter is returning to Washington, D.C., for votes in the U.S Senate.”

So which airport will he be arriving at, DCA or IAD? There are three nonstop flights that land from New Orleans today to DCA: One lands at 9:30am, a second one at 2:19pm, and the last one arrives at 7:38pm this evening.

Meanwhile, GOP gubernatorial candidate Bobby Jindal (R) finally issued a statement on Vitter over the weekend: "Like so many, I have been disappointed by the senator's actions. Even though we are disappointed, my wife and I certainly keep him and his family in our prayers. This is something the senator is going to have to address and I hope he will do that. Certainly, I don't want anybody taking political advantage of it, but it's something he does have to address."

Also of note, ex-Rep. Bob Livingston -- the Louisiana Republican who had to resign over his extra-marital affairs and was eventually replaced by Vitter in Congress -- said Vitter should NOT resign. Livingston said Vitter should "pick himself up and charge forward."

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Comments

"The Happy Hooker goes to Washington"-released this week on DVD.

Still Crazy After All These Years (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 9:27 AM)

I am one of Vitter's constituents and I do not think anybody will take him seriously should he decide to get on the "advancing Louisiana conservative values" high horse from here on out. The damage he has done to Louisiana is irreparable and he should be thinking about what is best for Louisiana instead of what is best for David Vitter. I believe he should resign and let someone who can be respected represent Louisiana.

Tim, Louisiana (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 9:32 AM)

Those family values clowns will still elect this philanering senator because he says god has forgiven him...was that an email or voices in his head?

Rick, WS, NC (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 10:05 AM)

Why is everyone in this country so hung up on the sexual angle? We have young men and women dying everyday in Iraq, violent crime increasing across the US and kids exposed to violence everyday on television, video games and on our streets. Why don't people address this or find this obscene?

Robert Catalano, Salme, OR (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 10:07 AM)

vitter another pious hypocryte

pious hypocryte (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 10:10 AM)

Vitter should resign, not because he had an affair, but because he's a hypocrit. He believed that Bill Clinton's adultery made him unfit to be president. Adulterer, reproach thyself. He should be happy that the Christian Taliban doesn't run the country, he'd be stoned in public.

George Henson, Dallas, Texas (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 10:35 AM)

Dear Robert Catalamo, we are hung up on the sexual angle because the "family values clowns" have won election after election claiming to be the party of Jesus. C'mmon, you haven't forgotten they used sex to impeach a popularly reelected president. Perhaps we should declare sex a non-issue now, only because these clowns are being exposed for the hypocrites they are? Wished that this country finally accepts admits that no party has a lock on morality or the so-called family values. But knowing these right wing nuts, they will continue to believe that only them have a right to sin and be forgiven, and everyone else is therefore evil.

den (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 10:41 AM)

It is not the "Sexual Angle", it is the hypocrisy of a person who says he stands for “Family Values” and then is found to have established a long running relationship with a prostitute.

Chuck Peterka, Wahpeton, ND (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 11:05 AM)

If Vitter is allowed to stay in Senate, at the very least, he should have to recuse himself from voting dealing with ethics or sexuality. He has shown that he has no concept of ethics and that he cannot judge anyone's decisions on sexuality. After all, the congress did try and partially succeeded in impeaching someone for a lot less during the 1990s.
I will be most interested in seeing Mrs. Vitter squirm as she comes up with excuses for not bobbiting her oversexed husband after all (and we all have to hope that Vitter brought her no critters from the brothels he frequented...)

Vera Hope (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 11:06 AM)

My republican father always told me: "you can't legislate morality". I believed him and left the republican party after Clinton's first term. I see (saw then) Newt Gangrape and his minions for what they successfully completed: duping the bubba's and the thumpers so the Greedy (Old Pricks) can have an orgy at taxpayer expense.

Greg R, Spokane, WA (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 11:10 AM)

Robert Catalamo, I find it obscene to think that someone in a respected office, representing his state is in such a state of mind that all he can do is get off with a whore when he DOES have all these more important national issues to contribute to? Talk about the height of hypocrisy.

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 11:12 AM)

Wait, wait; this guy replaced another immoral hypocrite? Can't we at least have a sobbing "I have sinned" speech on the floor? And haven't Hastert and Boener come out and said, "They were just overly-friendly text messages"?

Confused Louisiana Republican (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 11:16 AM)

@@ recuse himself from voting dealing with ethics or sexuality.

Sure. Barney Frank too.

Joe Williams, Ontario (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 11:22 AM)

He is a hypocrite in the worst way. He hides behind the bible. He says that others should resign. Then when he gets caught doing worse with several prostitutes, he says that he should keep his job. Me thinks not! Rules are for everyone--not just Democrats.

Lou Sole (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 11:37 AM)

A man who can't keep the trust of his own wife cannot hope to earn the trust of the public, to whom, presumably, he is not as deeply and intimately connected or committed.

Jim Keenan, Washington, D.C. (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 11:41 AM)

Hasn't the US had enough of these Babbitts?

Where are those who care more about the US than their own ego-driven careers?

New Independent, Denver, NC (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 12:02 PM)

Vitter urged Clinton to resign for his pecadilloes, yet has nothing to say about resigning his own position after years of visiting prostitutes.He urged passage of the Marriage amendment

He joins Bob Livingston,Mark Foley, Tom DeLay, Newt Gingrich and Bob Barr in the Hypocrisy Hall of Fame. The GOP has proven that it is unfit to lead the nation in the realm of moral values, and should remain silent on these issues, as they have shamed the nation.

kim, crofton md (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 12:04 PM)

Yes, Den, I realize this. I was mainly asking the question about why showing a naked body or a sexual act is obscene, while apathy towards and encouragement of violence seems to be accepted. Isn't sex a more natural human act than killing one another? In this Christian society, things are turned upside down; the thing which has a modicum of love (which Jesus encouraged) is reviled while violence and intolerance (two things Jesus loathed) are celebrated. We are more ready to kill than we are to accept nudity. Talk about hypocisy and illness!!!!!!

Brian, I agree with you, however, I think it is more obscene for a public official to either break the law to achieve his own ends or steal from the public coffers to enrich his friends, than it is for one to visit a prostitute. In Vitter's case, of course, this is a politician who preaches "family values" and turns around and betrays them. I also think betrayal to a principle is more obscene than Ms. Jackson's nipple showing.

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 12:36 PM)

Check the flights from New Orleans to BWI; Vitter might go there to dodge the reporters.

Russell in Maryland (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 12:54 PM)

Senator Vitter is GOD's incarnation to fight liberal democat agenda of accepting gay marraige and islamo facism. Senator Vitter is a true consevative who mayne a little side tracked by hyper sex drive but it only goes to show that liberal democrats have no sex drive.
They ahould all order more engyzte ...and spare Vitter from baseless partisan attacks.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 1:16 PM)

It's not about the sex, and it's not about the hypocrisy. It's all about the diapers.

Sacanagem, NY NY (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 1:26 PM)

Vitter is my senator. He should do the honorable thing for himself and Louisiana and resign. But I am a cynic now and know honor means NOTHING to a politician and his party will let him stay because if he leaves the democratic governor of the state will replace him with one of her own party. As Katrina has shown us all too well, politics trumps decency everytime.

doctorj, Louisiana (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 1:44 PM)

After reading the New Orleans Picayune newspaper story about one of Vitter's local liasons, a Ms. "Cortez" (one of numerous aliases), I see yet another angle to this story about gross hypocracy. Back in the 90's, he was having a fairly public affair, dressing her up in high style and taking her to parties. I suspect that wife Vitter probably was aware of the situation when she made her now infamous Bobbit speech. She used the opportunity to not only make a dig at Hillary, basically calling her a wimp, but also making a veiled threat at hubby. Veiled threat, apparently didn't work. But, being quiet and enjoying the life of a Senator's wife was probably ample compensation.

Good ole Metarie, Louisiana, hometown to neo-nazi, KKK leader David Duke, Livingston, and Vitter--three republicans, all of whom carried their city with overwhelming percentages in their various elections.

If Vitter resigns I wonder how long Mrs. Vitter stays married. My guess is she will wait a certain period, for the story to die down, and then try to quietly sneak out with as much cash as she can get, which she will need for her four children. Its a sad story of how family values have been distorted in America.

J.D. in California (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 2:27 PM)

What about his security clearance? What about the lack of judgement to put one's self in the position to be bribed by foreign enemies or more likely by lobbyists? Maybe the lobbyists PAID for all this to begin with?!!!!

Joe, New York (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 3:07 PM)

Vitter: Preaches morality in his state put practices sin.

Another day another nail. Enough said.

SP Biloxi (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 3:14 PM)

"Honky tonk woman
"Gimmee gimmee gimmee the honky tonk blues"-Rolling Stones

Still Crazy After All These Years (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 3:45 PM)

As they used to say about the so-called "Moral Majority," it is neither. I don't trust any Republican or any fundamentalist "Christian" because their "beliefs" are based on repression and oppression. The paradox of rigid moralism is that always creates a certain slime on the water.

The Founders of this country would be embarrassed by the Republican Party (party time!) and Jesus would say to the corporate Jesus franchisers, "Depart from me, I never knew you." These two rotten apples (Republicans and religious fundamentalists) in the American barrel have coalesced into an American "Christianized" version of Al Queda. They are the terrorists rotting America from within and exporting hate, death and violence around the world. Every time one of their leaders gets exposed, we are "shocked" that there is gambling in the casino. These folks are going to experience a Rapture all right, but they are the ones who are going to be shocked. It can't come soon enough for America. Send them all back to their caves!

Mark Thieme (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 3:55 PM)

I'm waiting to find out if Vitter's vocal pitch has been permanently altered. Remember what his wife Wendy said about being like Lorena Bobbitt.

M. Boley (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 4:09 PM)

Religious fundamentalists will awaken in the afterlife in a place with a large group of similar character. Among the group will be the likes of bin Laden, Hitler, etc.

Flat-earther, Georgia (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 4:31 PM)

For Joe Williams in Canada:
First off, you're not from this country. Don't begin to preach to us about our political failings. You really don't get the right.
Secondly, that you even had the unmitigated gaul to say that someone like Vitter, who happens to be the elected offical in my district though I DID NOT vote for him, is on a par with a decent politician like Barney Frank smacks more of your idiotic Homophobia than any semblance of a respected opinion. Isn't your country supposed to be more tolerant than ours? Nice to see that the cold weather doesn't affect the blistering heat of hatred that you schmucks still espouse. Check the calender, buddy. It's a new millenia. Hating gay people, like the tactics Vitter used in his political life, are so passe and just ignorant. You're allowed to wallow in your own stupidity...just don't infect the rest of us.

Shannon, New Orleans, LA (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 5:18 PM)

Shannon says" . . . a decent politician like Barney Frank . . . . "

From the NY Times.

The New York Times reported on July 20, 1990 that The House Ethics Committee recommended "that Representative Barney Frank receive a formal reprimand from the House for his relationship with a male prostitute" Attempts to expel or censure Frank failed; instead the House voted 408-18 to reprimand him.

Also, I hold Canadians in the same regard as you do. Their health care stinks.

Joe Williams, Ontario, CA (missed this last part initially, sorry) (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 5:50 PM)

Palfrey will serve Vitter him with a subpoena for a deposition and appearance at her trial. Then he has a difficult choice. He can lie and say he didn't have sex which will spring Palfrey or he can tell the truth and his career is over for solictation of a prostitute.

John .Palm Peach. Fla (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 6:42 PM)

Poor Wendy Vitter was on tv news tonight..sad, so sad.
She is complaining as a wife and MOTHER about the press on her door step. Why they even came to her CHURCH. She said she forgave diaper Davy years ago.
She should have taken the kids and left town. Once a pervert always a pervert!
I'm sure glad they never do that to Democrats, ya right.
Wendy get a grip!

H P Boston (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 6:52 PM)

>> She is complaining as a wife and MOTHER about the press on her door step. <<

Yeah, pretty pitiful. Same thing Hillary did when Bill was caught getting Hinklemens from Monica.

>> She should have taken the kids and left town. Once a pervert always a pervert! <<

Yup. Right out of Hillarys book.

P H San Fran (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 7:01 PM)

Barney Frank is the democrat version of Mark Foley, give me a break!

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 7:07 PM)

Barney Frank is the democrat version of Mark Foley, give me a break!

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 7:08 PM)

Watched statements by Sen. David Vitter and wife- Wendy Vitter just now. Raised in Christian family (now 77 years of age), my church taught that God would judge us, and that Jesus was crucified for my sins, as well as all the sins of mankind. How arrogant of prior posters to judge these individuals (our brother and sister in Christ)? I truly hope that each one of you will attend church this weekend, and pray for forgiveness FOR YOUR SINS of judging others. Vote however you feel, but if you don't live in Louisiana you don't have a vote for or against David. Check your own representatives, but don't judge them, just vote for or against them. Go with God.

Frank Whiteman, Aurora, CO (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 7:57 PM)

Not to worry, 'good ole George W can issue a pardon if Vitters ends up in court. With friends like George (AND GOD on your side) you're as good as gold.

Don't fergit - christian ain't purfect, but they are furgiven...

GWSucks, Cheneyville, Eye-raq (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 7:57 PM)

All you low down scalawags who are attempting to attack Jesus because one of his children has sinned should examine your own back yard. Cannot a sinner be forgiven? Do you not desire forgiveness of your sins? Or do you prefer to face God with the stain of your sins clearly marking you for God's vengeance?

makito, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 8:05 PM)

He has confessed to pandering which is illegal in the District of Columbia. Why is he not charged? If convicted, pandering is also an offence which would require him to register as a sex offender in DC.

S G Boston, MA (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 9:40 PM)

Dear David,

The smart thing is to resign and get a good job in the V.P's office. Then you won't have to worry about the small stuff like lies and ethics.

Your friend, MI (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 9:53 PM)

Robert Catalano, I find it odd that the military will have wounded troops, or ones suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome keep serving, but if a soldier is gay (no matter how brave, dedicated, etc.) out they go. I know a gay officer in the Air Force who has had to keep it a secret for over 20 years. This may be off topic, but your comments on Americans being hung-up on sexuality made me think of it.

Mel, Illinois (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 11:45 PM)

I wonder where all these forgiving folks were when Vitter was judging Clinton not fit for public office? Your phony piety is ludicrous. You mock Jesus in your own behavior.

Mark Thieme (Sent Tuesday, July 17, 2007 12:27 PM)

This is how a straight Sen. vote against gay people and use American's money to fulfil his personal excitement. ---HE SHOULD RESIGN

If this is a serious sin, the why did it? WHY HE DID IT?-----HE SCHOULD RESIGN

If he is totally responsible for this, he does NOT need his wife to go to the airport with him. FACE IT. -----HE SCHOULD RESIGN

Gregg (Sent Wednesday, July 18, 2007 1:40 AM)

So, Thomas Jefferson, Grover Cleveland, and
John F. Kennedy (among many others) were all no good plilanderers too???
Get real. David Vitter is just a man. No better and no worse than most.

KW, N.O., La (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 1:44 AM)

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