While the David Vitter ordeal is playing out in Louisiana, and Larry Flynt of Hustler is having a field day, there actually is a bigger game being played out in Washington.
Currently, some powerful members of the state and the US Republican parties are pulling out the stops to keep the lid on the “Vitter affair”.Some of the individuals with knowledge of sordid information concerning Vitter and prostitutes are being pressured to put the lid on the political flaps.At the same time, major national news agencies smell a juicy sex and politics story in the Vitter Louisiana dial-for-sex scandal and are hitting the news trail, sniffing, and trying to find live bodies.
But, there really is a bigger story going on that relates to the pressure being put on some of the individuals with actual knowledge.That tale is the game of very high-stakes politics and control of the US Senate.
Right now, the Democrats control the Senate by a fiber.Much depends upon the vote of former Democrat and now Independent, Joe Lieberman of Connecticut who is the swing guy.Should David Vitter resign over this flap, a Democratic Governor who has been very angry at Republicans and the Bush administration over Katrina (Kathleen Blanco) would appoint a replacement until elections.That replacement would likely be a Democrat.
Chances are right now, with the Louisiana demography the way it is, a Republican would win the election.However, with 32,000 Road Home closings (which is a state program using federal money to help Katrina victims to come back home), and now hundreds of real estate closings per day, the chances for the Democrats could improve—especially if those voters are from South Louisiana.
Meanwhile, with the national media smelling a real scandal of a pro-family candidate doing some very not-so-family things, the drip, drip, dripping of information could become a faucet.
Obviously, the national and state Republicans do not want these revelations exposed nor do some republicans want Vitter to resign.They do not want to lose a very safe US Senate seat which could possibly be jeopardized should it become available and should the demography change making a Democratic candidate more likely.
If the tables were turned, the Democrats could certainly be playing the same pressure game.Control over the US Senate is a humongous political issue. .
Without question, Hustler magazine pulled a major political plum by accident.They did not think they would bag a US Senator who they could so easily call a hypocrite. Nor did they realize that control over the US Senate could possibly be on the line.This fall, there is a major election for dozens of offices around the state.Already, there are signs that political candidates are distancing themselves from Vitter.With more revelations, more could certainly follow which could increase the pressure on him to resign.So for now, the question is whether the Louisiana republicans can stay the course and hope the pressure works or get on the resignation train.No doubt the state candidates will be counting the numbers, reading the news and longing for the days when victory was in-like-Flynt for many in the GOP.
That is over there, and we are over here. Take care of the homefront and all else will fall into place. This I know to be fact and it is the only fact that is apparent not only to Louisiana, but the rest of the nation as well. Louisiana as a State needs significant improvements. I cannot speak for politicians, because that’s all they are, politicians. But I can speak for an individual that I know has integrity and also has the way. Within a few short months he could employ over 400 people. Within a years time that number will escalate to well beyond that. He could also put many dozens of people in business for their selves. He has a plan to solve the construction problem in the 9th ward, and his works would not ever be flooded, even if the rest of the city gets it again because of inept Corp of Engineers supervision. He can make many prudent private investors additional incomes. He can even make common individuals wealthy and enabled to provide for their future security and retirement. He can provide safety and security for Louisiana, New Orleans, from a number of nature generated travesties. And he can even protect and restore the marshlands. He has ideas that will increase the fisheries industry significantly as well; He has a plan to save taxpayers multiple billions upon billions of dollars for years to come. The benefits of him, and the contributions that can made are too numerous to list on this thread. In short, it is poetry in motion, if the people want that, progress, real measurable progress. His name is William H. Smith and his website is www.strongconctrete.com in short you should be talking to your elected officials that are now in office about him. Understand for the most part they are simply smack people waiting for the end of their terms, and any candidate running for office should be asked if they are studied in www.strongconcrete.com If they are not, or want to shoot it down, it simply means they are self serving, or are in service to someone else that only wants to grind the state into deeper oppression and lack. The future, and the vote is up to you. More of the same in the upcoming elections? Or do you want change that evens things out and improves our lot as a collective citizenry?
Written by A concerned Louisianian
on 7/21/2007
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles,California reached a settlement agreement Saturday with more than 500 people who allege they were sexually abused by clergy, the main plaintiff's attorney told The Associated Press.This and David Vitter Hiring whore's really shows people how high Catholic Christian morals are.At least the church is paying for their sins Unlike David Vitter who is blaming the evil whore's and democrats, for his very own problems.
Written by Susan
on 7/15/2007
So PATRIOT WARRIOR with all due respects if you believe that Vitter can throw stones at Clinton while he does worse by hiring a prostitute which is against the Law.Then you must believe that his high moral standards were a lie also.Blame the whore's but not the man who hired them is a very sad outlook for a moral man.How dare the gays get married while we the Moral police of the state are playing with where`s and who knows what else.To attack the democrats for this,then defend when your Leader is caught is shamful.But at best you are becoming democrats, so I guess it all works out in the end.The republican party is it`s own enemy and is destroying it`s own values.Not one democrat made David Vitter call for Clinton to resign over cheating on his wife.Not one democrat has made David Vitter hire a prostitute and cheat on his wife ,plus break the Law,and then cry they are picking on me.David Vitter said to live by my high standards,just do not expect me to live by them.BTW what is Vitter claiming to stand on,when it comes to women's rights.
Written by Susan
on 7/15/2007
Ahhhh.....The smoke and mirrors come into play. I watch all of you get your underware up in a bunch over a cheap ploy that was launched by a manipulator. David Vitter errantly dialed the number to the 'Madams' Bordello by design. You see deep in the bowels of subversion headquarters someone was able to put that phone number in his book. He thought he was dialing Governor Blanco, it took him 5 times to realise it was a wrong number after having been put on hold for 4 of the times. Sometimes for up to two minutes. And we all know Congressional people are very busy, so he hung up. Now that the mission was accomplished, I guess Governor Blanco theoretically has the power to temporarily put someone in his place without a vote? What about Jefferson? Hmmmmm...... Why is everything revolving around telecommunications? Money for Jefferson, a call girl for Vitter? Odd pattern here. What is the Motus Operenda? We in America seem to be so easy to sidetrack. So now lots of hot air is going to be exhausted on this ignorant topic instead of real issues at hand. Didn't you learn anything from the Clinton Administration? Look, as long as you don't inhale it's o.k!!!!!!!!
Written by Lauging at the clowns
on 7/13/2007
Patriot , would it be a sin if it was a black female senator? Vitter is another elected official that has embarrassed himself, his family, his God and his constituents. Louisiana deserves more!
Written by SELF SERVING POLITICAN?
on 7/13/2007
In today's "Times-Picayune, the liberalists have once again, "smeared" Senator David Vitter, by placing huge, dramatical "headlines", quoting the words of a whore's ex-boyfriend concerning the Senator. Four defense lawyers for the Canal Street Madam, say that they have no proof, or any mention of Senator Vitter visiting that place. What are the motives of the "Times-Picayune"?, to do everything possible to try and force Senator Vitter out of office? The newspaper is famously known for it's very liberal slanted views, it's lies, and deceptions when it comes to Republicans/Conservatives. Fair and balanced? - no! The "rag" hasn't come down on indicted "Dollar Bill" Jefferson has badly as it has Senator Vitter. If the Senator were black,and democrat, it would be a whole different story!! PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/13/2007
It might not be such a big deal if Vitter had not been so well aligned with the family values crowd.
It might actually be fun to see that if he doesn't resign what he can and what he will talk about now. He might actually have to work on the real work of governing. Post-Nixon/Ford Republicans -- George Bush the father having been more of a Ford type -- tend to stick to moralizing, calling for tax cuts for the wealthy and talking about being strong on defense but that's the sum of their game and that pretty well describes Vitter. They don't and they can't do the actual work of governing. Bush only promised to restore integrity to the White House. He never promised to restore competence; there was no need to make such a promise given that Clinton, regardless of his other faults, was in fact very competent. Unfortunately now the next one IS going to have to make that promise. Bush et al. have been a disaster.
It would be good for the country for a change away from all this constant moralizing and back toward focusing on really working on governing but I have my doubt that Vitter for his part has it in him to do that. Even if he doesn't resign he will become a non-factor as a legislator.
Written by Richard P.
on 7/13/2007
I've read some ridiculous things in support of of the lying, conniving, if this don't work I'll find a judge that'll make it work, government but the dribble here is unmatched. Why don't we call e'm as we see them. Lies purchase votes. Money buys power. Sell your soul to the highest bidder. It's the Republican way!
Written by Mike Deloach
on 7/12/2007
"Ole Jarhead" - Thanks brother, we were just doing our duty as Americans & Marines - "SEMPER FI". PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/12/2007
Anyphony - I don't ever seek pity, just to set the record straight regarding - "THE REAL WORLD"! By God, yes, I would fight just as hard for religion, and the rights of all people. What turns my stomach, is when fellow Americans turn vicious, nasty, condescending, and downright mean, when they learn that a Republican/Conservative has done something wrong. So far, what are the hard cold facts? The word of that deviate, crusading Larry Flynt, two whores, and a liberal slanted newspaper, ("Times-Picayune"). Why don't you just wait for the facts to come out, before throwing the "electric-chair" switch? The other things that really boils me, is when certain people of the "African" - you are either American, or African, now which is it?, make racist remarks toward the white community, and no one calls them down about it!! If whites were to have - MISS WHITE AMERICA; MISS WHITE UNIVERSE; WHITE COACHES ASSN.; WHITE CAUCUSES; WHITE POLICEMEN ASSN; WHITE TEACHERS ASSN; and on, and on, and on............!! Nope, don't justify the reverse because of what has now happened a very long time ago, look at today. You don't think that all of that black this, and black that, isn't racist & divise??? Whites hate all of that because it is double-standard, and is racist!! Yes, I am passionately against racism - white & black.... are you, and if so, what are you doing to stop it?? Fairness? For whom?? PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/12/2007
Patriot Warrior, Brother I salute you! you have given your lifes blood for this country and I am PROUD to call you Brother! To the rest of you to get an direct perspective I suggest those calling on him to resign for this "sin" read the bible there is a story in there about Jesus and a prostitute you should re read that, you might learn something about FORGIVENESS!
Written by Ole Jarhead
on 7/12/2007
Mr. patriot warrior very noble and what a pity for your wounds but would you fight as passionate for the word of GOD and human rights as you do for old glory.
Written by anyhony
on 7/12/2007
"SELF SERVING POLITICIAN" - REAL WORLD?? I AM A MARINE RECON, AND SERVED TWO YEARS IN VIETNAM FIGHTING THE VIETNAMESE AND CHINESE COMMUNISTS, HAND TO HAND! I HAVE THREE PURPLE HEARTS, A BRONZE STAR, LOST MOST OF MY RIGHT HAND AND ARM, AND UNDERWENT SEVEN (7) OPERATIONS. I LOVE MY COUNTRY AND WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, IF NEEDED!! REAL WORLD? I AM A TRUE WARRIOR, AND HOLD PEOPLE TO LOVE AND SUPPORT THIS COUNTRY. SENATOR VITTER OBVIOUSLY HAS DONE SOMETHING WRONG, BUT LET'S WAIT FOR THE TRUTH TO COME OUT, AND NOT BELIEVE THOSE WHO ARE ON A CRUSADE TO DESTROY THIS MAN - HE IS A HUMAN BEING AFTER ALL. PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/12/2007
I think anyone who thinks Hustler accidentally plucked this plum is naive or disengenous. Larry Flynnt may or may not be strictly partisan, but he's made a lifelong career of battling traditional - and especially government-enforced - sexual morality. That he knew what he was getting from the DC Madam is certain. And the blow was delivered at a precise political moment, against a leader of the so-called "family values" coalition . . . and make no mistake . . . it will be a while before ANY politician tries to play the "family values" card. Voters can't get much more cynical. That's Flynnt's political goal . . . the elimination of government-enforced morality. To the extent this target is a Republican, this also aids the Democratic Party cause . . . and, of course, might even give the Dems a bigger majority in the Senate if the cards fall that way. That doesn't necessarily make Flynnt an ally of the Democrats . . . but it could. Anyone can spin conspiracy theories . . . and I think James Carville could outthink Karl Rove any day.
But one thing is clear, this was no accident on Flynnt's part. He smelled the blood of his favorite prey - "Christian" hypocrite - and dove in for the kill.
As for his partisanship - let's see if he carries through on his promise to reveal another 20 or so high-level politicians . . . from both parties.
Written by Galgotha
on 7/12/2007
I think David Vitter should resign the day after Ted Kennedy, the murderer, resigns.
Written by Dennis McCluer
on 7/12/2007
PATRIOT...REALIZE THAT THE MEN U SUPPORT ARE WEAK AND PATHETIC...EVEN ALLAH KNOWS THAT! FACTS ARE FACTS....YOU CAN PUT YOUR HEAD FIRMLY IN THE SAND AND PRETEND OTHERWISE! SELF SERVING POLITICIANS PRAY ON YOUR TYPE! WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD!
Written by SELF SERVING POLITICAN?
on 7/12/2007
SELF SERVING POLITICIAN & DAVID (WHOEVER THE HELL YOU ARE) - IT'S FILTHY TOLIET SCUM LIKE YOU THAT IS DESTROYING THIS NATION. I'LL BET THAT YOU WORSHIP THE LIKES OF LARRY FLYNT, RATHER THAN GOD. MAY THE WARLORDS OF SOMALIA HAVE YOUR INTESTINES FOR DINNER. YOU WANNA GET UGLY AND MEAN? YOU HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT GUY! PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/12/2007
THE ONLY REGRET A MAGGOT LIKE VITTER HAS, IS THAT HE GOT CAUGHT. SWINE!
Written by SELF SERVING POLITICAN?
on 7/12/2007
Until the Angels of the Great Spirit tell me different, I'll live convinced that they are traitors who supports the Party that gave us war, torture, domestic surveillance, and suspension of habeas corpus. Perhaps it's unfair to say that ALL Republicans belong to this "Party", which may be a subset of the official Republican Party, but until the Traditional Republicans distance themselves from the Neo-conservative Republicans and their plans for an imperial American century, I will lump all Republicans together. That includes Joe Cannizzaro, Phyllis Taylor, Boysie Bollinger, and of course David Vitter. The hypocrisy about sex resembles the hypocrisy about power or about liberty, so I'm not shocked at all to discover that Senator Vitter has done what he has done, despite what he has said.
Written by Robert Desmarais Sullivan
on 7/12/2007
I don't see Vitter resigning over this. While some of Alberto Gonzales's support staff resigned recently as part of the U.S. Attorney incidents, most of the top political players have been allowed by the President to hang around. There's really not much shame left in Federal govt. Who resigned over Abu Ghraib? Who resigned over the lack of WMD? Guantanamo? Frankly, the country has seen so much over the last several years that we're pretty jaded about things like this. After Abu Ghraib and Mark Foley, it'll take more than paying for extramarital dalliances to shame Vitter or raise our ire to the boiling point. I'd love to see Vitter gone because I disagree with much of his politics and his sanctimony. But as long as guys like PATRIOTWARRIOR have his back, why should he care what "lying liberals" think?
Written by David (neither Vitter nor Duke)
on 7/12/2007
NOT WORTH RESPONDING. PATRIOT WARRIOR
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/12/2007
Please explore the political culture where it is accepted that prostitues are to be part of the "party" at political gatherings. This is not a one man gig. It is part of a culture that should be exposed and examined. I would approciate your response to this. Thanks.
Written by Deborah Poitevent
on 7/12/2007
Keep the gays from getting an abortion!!
And keep helping out the poor downtrodden prostitutes in New Orleans and in DC.
Reelect the Family Values of hope for making prostitution legal!