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Charles Melancon on Principles & Values

Democrat


OpEd: Vitter broke the law, and lied about it, with DC Madam

One question Vitter repeatedly dodged had to do with whether he broke the law when he was linked to a D.C. prostitution ring in 2007. When a panelist told Vitter he would give him the opportunity to say "yes" or "no" and explain himself, Vitter responded, "I'm not going to take that opportunity, because I think the voters of Louisiana have understood exactly what I said to them."

"You've lied, broken the law, and embarrassed the state," responded Melancon.

Source: WWLTV Eyewitness coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate Oct 28, 2010

Ran based on Vitter's integrity issue from call-girl scandal

Republican Sen. David Vitter again acknowledged unspecified "serious sins" but offered no new information on the prostitution scandal that broke in 2007 when he was linked to a Washington call girl ring run by the "D.C. Madam." In July 2007, Vitter was linked by phone records to a Washington, D.C. escort service run by Deborah Jeane Palfrey, who committed suicide in 2008 after being convicted of running a prostitution ring.

When the scandal broke, Vitter said in a news release that he had committed a "serious sin," but he has steadfastly refused to say more about the matter and has avoided questions. With polls showing him leading in the current race, he has limited campaign appearances and used television ads to boost his conservative profile and attack his Democratic opponent, Rep. Charlie Melancon.

Melancon said that issues of honesty and integrity were what prompted 11 people to seek Vitter's seat. "It's the reason everyone got into this race, to challenge Mr. Vitter," Melancon said.

Source: Miami Herald coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate Oct 27, 2010

Other candidates on Principles & Values: Charles Melancon on other issues:
LA Gubernatorial:
Bobby Jindal
LA Senatorial:
David Vitter
Mary Landrieu

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Page last updated: Dec 04, 2010