Vitter denied charges he had relationships with prostitutes; asked forgiveness for a "serious sin"

[dajoki]

Vitter Denies Prostitution Accusations
Associated Press 07.16.07, 6:35 PM ET
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/16/ap3919262.html

NEW ORLEANS - Sen. David Vitter on Monday denied charges that he had relationships with New Orleans prostitutes and said he will return to work in Washington this week.

In a news conference in suburban Metairie with his wife, Wendy, by his side, Vitter offered an apology to "all those I have disappointed and let down with the actions of my past."

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 that prosecutors say was a prostitution operation.

Telephone records show that the service called Vitter's number five times from 1999 to 2001, while he was a U.S. representative.

"I will work every day to rebuild that trust," Vitter said Monday, adding, "My admission has incurred some longtime political enemies," he said.
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Vitter re-emerges and again asks for forgiveness
Posted by The Times-Picayune July 16, 2007 4:58PM
http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/07/vitter_reemerges_and_again_ask.html

U.S. Sen. David Vitter again asked for forgiveness for a "serious sin in my past,'' but provided few details in a brief statement to reporters Monday afternoon from a Metairie hotel, his first public appearance since revelations emerged last week that his phone number had appeared on a list of clients of a reported Washington call girl service.

"Last week, we thought it was very important to have some time alone with our children," Vitter said of week-long absence from public view.

As he thanked the hundreds of people who contacted him with prayers and encouragement, he again offered his "deep sincere apologies for actions of my past. No matter how long ago it happened, I know it has hurt the relationship of trust I have worked so hard to build with you."

He said he will work tirelessly to rebuild that relationship.

<<snip>>

His wife Wendy also spoke briefly, standing by her husband.

"In most any other marriage it would have been a private issue between husband and wife ... Like all marriages, ours is not perfect, but we chose to work together as a family. .. I made a decision to recommit to our marrage. ... To forgive is not always an easy choice, but it was and is the best choice for me," she said.

"I am proud to be Wendy Vitter."

[Taverner]

1. Rich, this story is just too rich!

[SpiralHawk]

2. "You are either for hookers, or you are against them." - Republicon cronies

"And we republicons are, like, totally into hookers. And then immediately thereafter the sweet forgiveness of our handy dandy Jesus. Yay Jesus. Jesus loves republicon deviants !!"


- Republicon cronies & our beloved Diaper-dolly Hookers

[cui bono]

3. Yes to hookers and misdemeanors, no to interns and consentual sex. n/t

[TommyO]

4. So, what was your "sin", Mr. Vitter

Perhaps we can get Ken Starr to probe your private life.

[dajoki]

6. He said he only visited one prostitute not others as some have claimed

Republican David Vitter claims he only visited one prostitute
July 16, 2007
http://alaskareport.com/news/z46374_david_vitter.htm

Washington, DC - Senator David Vitter, the Louisiana Republican who admitted last week to employing a D.C. escort service, said Monday he will not resign his Senate post and said he only visited one prostitute not others as some have claimed.

The "family-values" conservative Republican also addressed what some critics see as his hypocrisy, saying he's been "trying to live up to the important values we believe" since admitting to his mistakes.

Unfortunately, my admission has encouraged some long-time political enemies and those hoping to profit from the situation to spread falsehoods too, like those New Orleans stories in recent reporting," Vitter said at a press conference with his wife, Wendy, at his side. "Those stories are not true."

"For my part, I'll be helping finalize a crucial water resources bill to provide much better hurricane and flood protection," Vitter added. "I'll be following up on our important defeat of a bad immigration bill by working for good border and workplace security."

Vitter apologized to constituents last week for "a very serious sin in my past" after his number turned up in telephone records of the service run by Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the "D.C. Madam" now facing money laundering and racketeering charges.

[AtomicKitten]

5. DENIED