GOP senator accused of choosing ‘prostitutes over patriots’ addresses scandal in new campaign ad
Pushing back against a vicious attack ad that accused him of once choosing “prostitutes over patriots,” Louisiana Sen. David Vitter released a new ad addressing the scandal that is threatening to derail his bid for governor.
“Fifteen years ago, I failed my family but found forgiveness and love,” Vitter says in the 30-second spot. “I learned that our falls aren’t what define us, but rather how we get up, accept responsibility and earn redemption.”
The ad, titled “Difficult Times,” shows Vitter interacting with his wife and children but makes no specific mention of prostitution.
“Now, Louisiana has fallen on hard times — a budget crisis, low wages, failing schools,” the Republican senator continues. “You know me — I’m a fighter. And as your governor, I’ll get up every day to fight for you for a much better, stronger Louisiana.”
Sen. David Vitter (YouTube/David Vitter)
The response comes days after Vitter’s Democratic opponent, John Bel Edwards, released a scathing ad that alleged Vitter missed a 2001 vote honoring U.S. war veterans while carrying on extramarital relations.
“The choice for governor couldn’t be more clear: John Bel Edwards, who answered our country’s call and served as a Ranger in the 82nd Airborne Division,” a voiceover in Edwards’ ad says. “Or David Vitter, who answered a prostitute’s call minutes after he skipped a vote honoring 28 soldiers who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. David Vitter chose prostitutes over patriots. Now the choice is yours.”
According to the Louisiana News-Star, the vote in question — House Concurrent Resolution 39, which honored soldiers killed by an Iraqi missile attack during Operation Desert Storm — occurred on Feb. 27, 2001, when Vitter was a U.S. representative. Records show Vitter missed the vote.
In 2007, Vitter’s phone number appeared on a list kept by Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the so-called D.C. Madam, who was later convicted of running a prostitution ring in Washington. Vitter subsequently apologized, saying he had committed a “very serious sin.”
The Louisiana gubernatorial election is scheduled for a runoff on Nov. 21, and recent polls show Edwards holding a double-digit lead — a surprising cushion considering Louisiana has no Democrats in statewide offices.
On Friday, a day before Edwards’ ad was scheduled to air, Vitter’s campaign accused the Democrat of “resorting to gutter personal attacks.”
And you thought Donald Trump’s attacks were vicious. (John Bel Edwards/YouTube)
“He does not want anyone to know his liberal record — raising taxes, supporting Obamacare, opposing oil and gas industry, opposing school choice and on and on,” Vitter spokesman Luke Bolar told USA Today. “David Vitter, a Louisiana conservative, is completely focused on leading and building a brighter future for Louisiana, and he’s done more to help veterans in Louisiana than anyone.”
Vitter will have a chance to prove that on Tuesday, when the Republican senator faces off with Edwards in the first of two televised debates in Louisiana. The second is scheduled for Nov. 16.
It’s not the first time prostitution allegations have dogged Vitter’s gubernatorial aspirations. In 2002, Vitter was poised to run for Louisiana governor but pulled out shortly before his alleged relationship with a New Orleans call girl surfaced, saying he and his wife were dealing with marital problems.
