VITTER’S “PUBLIC AWKWARDNESS” AFFECTS HIS ABILITY TO SERVE

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Julie Vezinot

May 20, 2008 225-336-4155

VITTER’S “PUBLIC AWKWARDNESS” AFFECTS HIS ABILITY TO SERVE

BATON ROUGE – If David Vitter thinks his prostitution scandal has gone the way of the now-deceased Deborah Jean Palfrey and hasn’t affected his influence in Washington, he’s not only fooling himself, but the people of Louisiana whom he hopes will re-elect him in 2010, said Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Chris Whittington.

And if Vitter thinks the people of Louisiana will forget, the media hasn’t as seen from his latest public humiliation by making Time Magazine’s List of Top 10 Awkward Moments of 2007.

Below is Time’s entry on Vitter:

“#5. Dial 1-800-EAT-CROW

Washington had been buzzing for months about which political bigwigs would appear on the phone list of Deborah Jean Palfrey — better known as the "D.C. Madam" — when Louisiana Senator David Vitter admitted he had made calls to the alleged prostitution ring. The conservative Republican, who had called for Bill Clinton to resign during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, apologized to "all those I have let down." Meanwhile, his wife, who once said that she was "a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary" and that she would "[walk] away with one thing, and it's not alimony" if her husband ever cheated on her, announced at a press conference that she had forgiven him and that "like all marriages, ours is not perfect."

“David Vitter’s prostitution scandal continues to be an embarrassment for the people of Louisiana as his effectiveness in the Senate has plummeted because of it,” said Whittington.

According to the Power Rankings list of Congress.org, Vitter ranks 85^th among the 100 U.S. senators. The ranking, which evaluates a legislator’s position by virtue of his/her tenure and leadership position, influence the outcome of votes and legislative activity.

“Vitter can no longer be helpful to his constituents if he is constantly dodging public ridicule by the media. For once in his career, Vitter must do what is best for the people of Louisiana and step down and allow capable, focused and committed leaders such as Mary Landrieu to serve this state,” Whittington said.

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