Sen. Vitter Denies Prostitution Charges

Louisiana Republican Apologizes For Past Actions, Says He Will Return To Work This Week

(CBS/AP)  Sen. David Vitter vowed to return to Capitol Hill Tuesday, a day after emerging from a week of seclusion brought on when he admitted links to a Washington escort service that federal prosecutors allege was a prostitution ring.

Vitter, holding hands with his wife, Wendy, entered a news conference on Monday in suburban New Orleans where he again apologized for his past behavior and denied having relationships with New Orleans prostitutes.

"I want to again offer my deep, sincere apologies to all those I have let down and disappointed with actions from my past," Vitter said. "I am completely responsible, and I am so very, very sorry."

Vitter said that he and his wife had dealt with his past problems years ago and that she forgave him, reported CBS News affiliate WWL. He said that if his opponents wished to use his past failings to attack statements that he has made, "so be it."

"No matter how long ago it was, I know this hurt the relationship of trust I have enjoyed with so many of you, and I have a lot of work to do to rebuild that," he said.

He also offered no indication that he would resign. Instead, Vitter said he planned to continue working on the state's recovery after Hurricane Katrina.

"For my part, I'll be helping finalize a crucial water resources bill to provide much better hurricane and flood protection. I'll be fighting to complete I-49, Louisiana 28 and Louisiana 1 and much more," he said, adding that he planned to work for "good border and workplace security" as well.

On July 9, Vitter apologized for committing a "very serious sin in my past," acknowledging that his Washington phone number was among those called several years ago by an escort service run by Deborah Jeane Palfrey.

Federal prosecutors accuse Palfrey of racketeering by running a prostitution ring that netted more than $2 million over 13 years, beginning in 1993. She contends her escort service, Pamela Martin and Associates, was a legitimate business. Telephone records show that the service called Vitter's number five times from 1999 to 2001, while he was a U.S. representative.

[afmca]

How do you spell HYPOCRITE .. same family value BS that most of these self righteous idiots preach, but don't practice. Hope his wife asks him to get an AIDS test. God only knows where his manhood has traveled in Louisiana and DC. He will do the Republican two-step .. saying God has forgiven him and rehab will be just around the corner.

[incog-nito]

Let me guess: He just had them over for "massages".

[SIDNEYWILLIAMSMD]

The massage excuse..huh...sounds like he did not inhale. The only thing redeeming was that it was not the senate intern in his office delivering pizza...and apparently he paid his bill.

[jntlw-2009]

Politicians marry naive or gullible woman. I would drop him like a hot potato. This was not a one time fling, which I may forgive, but this appears to be alengthy pattern. I wouldn't stick around for any more abuse and humilation.

[sparks224]

"Party of Values."

[misspp-2009]

Both of them are hypocrites and I have no sympathy for either one.

He spent his time touting family values and being critical of others while she spent her time making nasty cracks about folks like Hillary Clinton. Specifically, she said "I'm a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary. If he does something like that, I'm walking away with one thing, and it's not alimony, trust me."

I often wonder why hypocrites like them don't just keep quiet instead of being so judgmental of others.

[Teasecat]

I think I heard Vitters say . . . "I DID NOT HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONS WITH THAT WOMAN!!!" Can we impeach Vitters? Yet another Guliani guy goes up in smoke!! This shows what kind of people would be in Rudy's cabinet. Too bad he won't get elected. It would be fun to see if he could out criminal the Bush Crime Regime.

[ladyd1800]

Why do they even bother denying anything? We all know that their doing drugs, having *** with hookers, emailing little helper boys. Seriously isn't it part of the job description when you hold some sort of office? To be a worthless sleeze, a *** good lier and make foolish people believe that they still stand for what we believe in? They really need to just fess up and get it over with.

[junogoose]

How do you spell HYPOCRITE .. same family value BS that most of these self righteous idiots preach, but don't practice...

Posted by afmca at 07:29 PM : Jul 16, 2007

This expose was Larry Flynt's doing, precisely for the purpose of making that point.

[kansas1946]

So, what exactly was he apologizing for? You know, maybe it is just these Rhodes scholars we need to keep an eye on! They love the women, and then deny, deny, deny... ;o)

[roger_inkart]

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. You just went over to play ping pong and drink lemonade with the gals.

Who advised Vitter to deny he did anything wrong? This just makes him and his wife look like bigger idiots (and smaller people.)

[drummer94]

A politician with two faces. What a shock. His wife isn't a bad looker. What's the prob Vitter? Did it to impress,what, hookers? "I'm a senator..." "Yeah, whatever, just gimme the money-300 bucks."

[neocon04]

When Presidant Clinton was neck deep in his sexcapades, how many of you cried out that it was "Just ***" and "Leave the poor man alone"? I love how people are so quick to judge a Republican and just as quick to forgive a Democrate for doing basically the same thing.

[roger_inkart]

GOP *** scandal in 10 easy steps:

1. Allegations are made.
2. Deny, deny, deny. Say accusers are doing so for political gain. Blame media.
3. Proof surfaces.
4. Admit tiny part of allegations might be true. Say accusers are doing so for political gain. Blame media.
5. Say that God and your wife have forgiven you.
6. Hope everything goes away.
7. If scandal doesn't abate, claim have an alcohol problem.
8 Enter rehab
9. Say people are exploiting this for political gain. Blame media.
10. NEVER ADMIT YOU DID ANYTHING WRONG. Repeat until indicted or voted out of office.

[jjarden]

It's VERY SIMPLE...(1) He Broke the Law...(2) He is not a man of integrity...He should resign. I cannot believe he even has a choice. He should be run out of town on a Rail. We, the People, Have Lost all power in this country.

[roger_inkart]

I love how people are so quick to judge a Republican and just as quick to forgive a Democrate for doing basically the same thing.
Posted by Neocon04 at 08:34 PM : Jul 16, 2007

I don't care what Vitter does, nor how he and his wife sort things out. I want him to serve the office that he was elected to competently and effectively. He can visit hookers if he wants to - I don't care. That's his business.

What I DO care about is the UNSPEAKABLE hypocrisy here that seems detectable only to non-Republicans. This man ran on a platform of "family values." He wrote legislation protecting the "sanctity of marriage."

His wife also bashed Hillary Clinton for forgiving Bill. Then she did exactly the same thing. These are small, stupid people who love the power of office and believe NOTHING they say. You rubes in right-wing fall for it over and over. And the whole nation has to suffer for your poor choices.

[lil_willie61]

Do any of you libs out there remember that Mrs. Clinton's old man was DISBARRED in Arkansas for lying under oath?

[jjarden]

Neocon04...THIS is COMPLETELY different...Bill Clinton didn't break the LAW by hiring an ESCORT!!!...THE same Escort that is now being PROSECUTED!!!

[SIDNEYWILLIAMSMD]

Does not compare with the ongoing frolicking of Bill Clinton with Member of Canadian Parliament ignored by CBS, ABC,MSLSD, and CNN. Every one in media turning their heads. I wonder why?

[tnt1954]

no news is good news, but there is always
plenty of news. clinton didn't resign,
so why should anyone else. pornomania
is here anyway. who cares what goods larry
flynt has on anyone. like going to the
toilet is big news and a scandal? really,
pay toilets are coming. 40 bucks just
to relieve yourself. a real revenue maker.
but cool, tax included.

[lil_willie61]

jjarden-
No, Bill didn't break the law by hiring an escort. He did that by lying under oath. What's your point?

[mcvet]

No, Bill didn't break the law by hiring an escort. He did that by lying under oath. What's your point?
Posted by lil_willie61 at 08:57 PM : Jul 16, 2007

What was the underlying crime there Sparky... isn't that the excuse you Nazi's used in the Scooter Libby get out of jail free message? ROFLMAO Sieg Heil Bush!!

[mcvet]

I can't say as I remember seeing anyone snivel like I did this pathetic Nazi Cow... the one who made fun of Hillary! Man talk about satisfaction... this is it. Sieg Heil Bush!!

[lil_willie61]

MCVet, thanks for making my point. If had told the truth he wouldn't have been impeached.

Typical liberal response, though. "You don't think like me, so you are a Nazi." Very well thought out there, Sparky.

[roger_inkart]

Do any of you libs out there remember that Mrs. Clinton's old man was DISBARRED in Arkansas for lying under oath?
Posted by lil_willie61 at 08:47 PM : Jul 16, 2007

So friggin' what? That makes Vitter's actions any less illegal or hypocritical?

I don't recall Bill Clinton campaigning on a platform of "family values" either, for that matter.

[mcvet]

When Presidant Clinton was neck deep in his sexcapades, how many of you cried out that it was "Just ***" and "Leave the poor man alone"? I love how people are so quick to judge a Republican and just as quick to forgive a Democrate for doing basically the same thing.
Posted by Neocon04 at 08:34 PM : Jul 16, 2007

Yeah I remember and we all, the entire nation, found out what our fathers knew all to well in dealing with garbage like McCarthy. You can't reason with a Nazi. Sure it's rough being one right now I know but hey who doesn't like kicking the living c-r-a-p out of Bullies!! I guess you losers are proving to EVERYONE that you aren't superior to anyone or anything!! ROFLMAO Sieg Heil Y'all. ROFLMAO

[lil_willie61]

roger_inkart-
I was pointing out the hypocritical attitude expressed here by so many of your ilk. Where in my post did I make any judgement of Vitter? I could care less what he does on his own time. I felt the same about Bill, BTW.

[roger_inkart]

Does not compare with the ongoing frolicking of Bill Clinton with Member of Canadian Parliament ignored by CBS, ABC,MSLSD, and CNN. Every one in media turning their heads. I wonder why?
Posted by doctorwho4 at 08:47 PM : Jul 16, 2007

Perhaps because Bill Clinton is a private citizen, and is entitled to do whatever he wants to? And it's only the sexually repressed lunatics on the right who - apparently unable to get any themselves - must constantly obsess about the sexual antics of Bill Clinton (real or imagined.)

[roger_inkart]

I was pointing out the hypocritical attitude expressed here by so many of your ilk. Where in my post did I make any judgement of Vitter?
Posted by lil_willie61 at 09:13 PM : Jul 16, 2007

Spare me your half-witted lectures and false indignation. This is one is about GOP hypocrisy. The same group of right wing lunatics that wanted to lynch Clinton now are unwilling to do the same to Vitter.

You want to make accusations of hypocrisy? The recent actions of the GOP should keep you busy for years.

[name_verify]

Politician denies it which means he did it.

Bill's SURGE all over Monica's pretty dress.

SHOCK AND AWE

SHOCK AND AWE

[rafterman1]

===When Presidant Clinton was neck deep in his sexcapades, how many of you cried out that it was "Just ***" and "Leave the poor man alone"? I love how people are so quick to judge a Republican and just as quick to forgive a Democrate for doing basically the same thing.===

OK, here's the difference. Democrats don't rage against g@y marriage and call it "defense of marriage". Democrats don't try to censor TV shows and call it "family values". If Repubs are going to preach how morally superior they are to libs, when they get caught, they are going to get pounded harder. People don't like hypocrites.

[mcvet]

MCVet, thanks for making my point. If had told the truth he wouldn't have been impeached.

Typical liberal response, though. "You don't think like me, so you are a Nazi." Very well thought out there, Sparky.
Posted by lil_willie61 at 09:09 PM : Jul 16, 2007

Tell the TRUTH about what? ROFLMAO The Witch Hunt was about a LAND DEAL Sparky and when the Nazi's couldn't find anything they went on to his affairs after hours. If you think I'm the only person in the world calling you losers nazi's you aren't getting out much!! ROFLMAO

[lil_willie61]

"Spare me your half-witted lectures and false indignation. This is one is about liberal hypocrisy. The same group of right wing lunatics that wanted to say Clinton did nothing wrong now are unwilling to do the same to Vitter."

[rafterman1]

===If had told the truth he wouldn't have been impeached.===

If there is any justice in the world, we will be saying the same thing about George Bush in the next 18 months.

lil_willie61 wrote:

"roger_inkart-
I was pointing out the hypocritical attitude expressed here by so many of your ilk. Where in my post did I make any judgement of Vitter? I could care less what he does on his own time. I felt the same about Bill, BTW."

What Bill Clinton did was wrong. Make no mistake about it.

He was hounded by Republicans and others.

What Vitter did was not only wrong, but quite possibly illegal.

And Republicans won't hound him like they did Clinton.

And that makes them hypocrites.

[roger_inkart]

The same group of right wing lunatics that wanted to say Clinton did nothing wrong now are unwilling to do the same to Vitter.
Posted by lil_willie61 at 09:28 PM : Jul 16, 2007

What right-wing lunatics were that? I think neither man's *** life should be a matter of public knowledge. Although it would appear that in the case of Vitter, he did break the law in the process.

So, what's worse? A man who has an affair who NEVER ran on the platform of "family values" or a man who did?

You GOP rubes are just angy because you KNOW this further blunts your safe haven of Bill Clinton. But hey, at least Vitter appears to hit adults females, unlike some other Republicans.

[jumkey]

Well there ya go, another lesson taken out of the George Bush play book. Just stonewall it. Republicans: the party of hypocrites and the immoral. Not a single one of them worth anything.

Senator Vitter can attack homosexuals and bleat on about the "sanctity of marriage" while all the while *** prostitutes and not a single Republican has the moral courage to renounce him.

How pathetic. How sad. How typical of Republicans.

[kansas1946]

GOP *** scandal in 10 easy steps:

1. Allegations are made.
2. Deny, deny, deny. Say accusers are doing so for political gain. Blame media.
3. Proof surfaces.
4. Admit tiny part of allegations might be true. Say accusers are doing so for political gain. Blame media.
5. Say that God and your wife have forgiven you.
6. Hope everything goes away.
7. If scandal doesn't abate, claim have an alcohol problem.
8 Enter rehab
9. Say people are exploiting this for political gain. Blame media.
10. NEVER ADMIT YOU DID ANYTHING WRONG. Repeat until indicted or voted out of office.
Posted by roger_inkart at 08:38 PM : Jul 16, 2007
*********************

Roger, you forgot the kicker.
11. Bring up the blue dress.

[roger_inkart]

Cripes, I really can't believe Vitter played the victim card. A week of planning a response and this is the best they can come up with? Ted Haggard's infamous (and pathetic) family car interview came off better.

Vitter is just sticking with the GOP playbook: attack, deny, attack, deny. But the problem is he's totally wrong and has been exposed as a hypocrite, liar and broken the law.

My guess is that reporters are combing the streets of New Orleans looking for hookers that "know" Vitter. There will be some embarrasing stories that will come out is my guess - which would explain Vitter's bizarre statements today where he apologized again but strangely said he denied he had done anything wrong.

If he did nothing wrong, why apologize? Why did he need his wife's and God's forgiveness?

[nothappyatall]

"Republican Sen. David Vitter on Monday "

Yeah yeah, another high and moral repubicon FAMILY man and god fearing chrustacean FALLS, what else is new with these hypocrites?

[roger_inkart]

Roger, you forgot the kicker.
11. Bring up the blue dress.
Posted by kansas1946 at 09:39 PM : Jul 16, 2007

Indeed I did - you're right! Although, that really is the job of the low-level, dull-witted GOP apologists, like the sad SOBs we see here all the time.

[notbuynit]

I didn't have ***, I didn't inhale, we have heard all this Sheat before....Guilty.

[notbuynit]

I didn't have ***, I didn't inhale, we have heard all this Sheat before....Guilty.

[rafterman1]

Oh, let's not forget Vitter calling for Bubba's resignation for having an affair. Not lying, but for having an affair. And your resignation Mr. Vitter is where? Yeah, didn't think so.

[notbuynit]

It's total BULL that we can't say S E X!

[roger_inkart]

Oh, let's not forget Vitter calling for Bubba's resignation for having an affair. Not lying, but for having an affair. And your resignation Mr. Vitter is where? Yeah, didn't think so.

Posted by Rafterman1 at 09:51 PM : Jul 16, 2007

I think it'll come. I believe in the next few days we'll hear some racy stories regarding Vitter's past and the pressure from conservatives will grow. He'll be a drag on the GOP ticket and that's the last thing the party needs in '08.

Either way, Vitter's political career is basically ruined. To think that just a few weeks ago there was talk of him as a possible VP candidate.

[opedanderson]

This wife is unbelieveable. I remember her statements re. Clinton and Monica. They were pretty harsh, in fact she implied she would have castrated her husband if she caught him cheating on her. What happened to that?

[zorlacskates]

time to start paying the piper for your self-righteous moralizing in the late 90's, republicans. you portrayed yourselves as angels, above the trappings of power and sexx. well, let's see what you and your party is made of. as far as i'm concerned, i hope the right defends vitter to the bitter end; another nail in the coffin of the conservative "revolution" engineered by those two pillars of morality, delay and gingrich.

[skyk-2009]

Where is the Religious Reich? When that phoney Starr FINALLY found something he could say Clinton did wrong, those slime dogs who call themselves Christian's pounced on him like mad. Where are they here? Why aren't they screaming for this man to resign like they did Clinton? Maybe it's the same reason they defended the Klan... POWER! Is there anything, taken our history with the church of England, more Un American than people using Religion to gain Power? I think not!!

[middleman8]

What a hell of a misguided country. It is ok to go thousands of miles to murder a million innocent unarmed men, women and thousand of wee babes, yet if some one has *** OOOHHHH MY LOOK AT HOW TERRIBLE THEY ARE. THE COUNTRY SHOULD STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT AND NOT GO WITCH HUNTING ON SOMETHING AS MINOR AS A PIECE OF TAIL.