The prostitutes' man to win Senate race in Louisiana with support of the religious right
The religious right in America often backs Republican candidates in elections regardless of candidates' moral certitude. In this week's mid term congressional election, one candidate is surprising many observers. David Vitter, a Senator from the state of Louisiana for years portrayed himself as a family-values conservative only to become embroiled in prostitution scandals in Washington DC and New Orleans. Vitter's name was on the client list of DC Madam, Deborah Jeane Palfrey, who ran an upscale prostitution ring for politicians in DC. Vitter was also allegedly involved with prostitutes in New Orleans, including Wendy Cortez, Vitter's favorite (pictured below).
Vitter did apologize but did not resign, or forced to resign by the Republican Party. He is running again this week in the U.S. Senate race. Recent accusations against him also include employing a staffer with an extensive criminal history, including violence against women. Yet, despite this dark record of character, and attacks by his "fairly conservative" Democrat opponent (see video below) Vitter is enjoying a comfortable double-digit lead in the polls heading into Tuesday's mid-term election, thanks to the support by the religious right, the conservative voters in Louisiana, and the Republican party.
It should be noted that the DC Madam, was never allowed to publicize the complete list of her powerful clients. Prosecutors offered immunity to several escorts/prostitutes, including a Navy Lt. Commander Rebecca Dickinson, to testify against Palfrey. She was sentenced to prison for tax related matters, but shortly afterward was found dead. Official reports indicated suicide as the cause, but skeptics call the reports bogus and some (video below) allege foul play, because Palfrey's client list, in addition to the likes of Vitter, included very powerful people like Dick Cheney and John McCain.
Although sexual and financial corruption scandals are common among politicians of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, critics attribute a higher degree of hypocrisy to Republicans because Republicans claim to champion moral and religious causes, yet they have a long history of sexual and financial indiscretions. The website Daily Kos has compiled a list of recent Republican Sex Scandals.
News Update, November 3, 2010: Vitter won the re-election bid with a large margin.
News blog by Shariatiparast
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