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Vitter out of sight, scandal not out of mind |
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By Elana Schor
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Posted: 07/10/07 03:43 PM [ET] |
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As Sen. David Vitter’s (R-La.) involvement with the notorious escort dubbed the “D.C. Madam” continued to rock the Capitol, his state’s Democratic governor expressed chagrin at the brewing scandal. Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, who weathered harsh criticism from Republicans for her management of emergency response after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, said she hoped the Vitter scandal would not hurt federal officials’ support of hurricane recovery. “I am very disappointed at this news and I hope and pray this does not hurt our efforts to secure the federal funding we need,” Blanco said in a statement, vowing to visit Washington soon to touch base with congressional leaders. Vitter acknowledged ties to Deborah Jeane Palfrey, also known as the “D.C. Madam,” late Monday after a gag order preventing release of her escort service’s phone records expired. A stalwart conservative and self-proclaimed defender of traditional marriage, Vitter was nowhere to be seen on the Hill on Monday, and most sources believed him to be remaining in Louisiana to avoid a press onslaught. Vitter’s Democratic colleague, Sen. Mary Landrieu (La.), declined to address his situation and said the two had not spoken but likely would talk in coming days. |
