July 16, 2007
Posted: 06:43 PM ET

Sen. Vitter, left, with his wife, Wendy, addressed reporters Monday night.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Sen. David Vitter, the Louisiana Republican who admitted last week to employing a D.C. escort service, indicated Monday he has no intentions of resigning his Senate post and said allegations that he visited other prostitutes in Louisiana are “not true.”

"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.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: David Vitter


Rick, Chicago Illinois   July 19th, 2007 12:01 am ET

De Louton Hot Springs, Ar … It's called holding republicans to their OWN higher, moral standards. And "Wow what does that say about our morals in America?"

It says republicans are not only sinners, but hypocrites too.

De Louton Hot Springs, Ar   July 18th, 2007 12:16 am ET

When a republican crashes and burns it's news for CNN. However let a dem mess up and it is said to be not so bad. I think it is interesting that we expect dems to foul up and we have our excuses ready. Republicans are held to a higher standard. Wow what does that say about our morals in America? Sad.

Rick, Chicago Illinois   July 17th, 2007 11:42 pm ET

Anonymous .. "Rick from Chicago for VILLAGE IDIOT in ‘08!"

Does that mean you decided against another term?

Luis, Miami Florida   July 17th, 2007 10:35 pm ET

So let me get this right, Newt Grinwich just admitted to having an affair, David Vitter doing prostitutes… Foley was after the boys in congress…all while they were after Clinton… as I remember all so mighty, so morally correct…People, when somebody is running for office and start claiming high moral ground watch out!!! FAMILY VALUES run the opposite way.

It has to be so scary to be a republican, having to pander to the “conservatives” and then been human is a conflict of interest.… Like Rush Limbaugh preaching against drugs and then taking drugs by the fist full…

I wonder who is next…let’s see, General Peter Pace admitting to having a homosexual affair will be outstanding in its capacity….

Anonymous   July 17th, 2007 6:06 pm ET

Rick from Chicago for VILLAGE IDIOT in '08!

Anonymous   July 17th, 2007 5:17 pm ET

I'm sick of evil politicians getting away with crimes! Enough is enough already. If things don't start changing in government …

Anonymous   July 17th, 2007 10:25 am ET

Didn't Vitter say the same things during his election campaigns about these prostitutes? Now we find out he was lying about those, and he goes and says the same thing again! Doesn't he realize everyone knows hes lying?

DMW, Roeland Park, KS   July 17th, 2007 9:26 am ET

I love when 'family values' Republicans get caught…hehehe…they are such hypocrites!

This is one reason Republicans look foolish today. They screamed 'family values' since Newt, for years and now we see that the majority of the Republican and Religious Conservatives are the most dishonest politicians/religous figures around.

I love that God has forgiven them, yet, when a Democrat does something they feel is against values, they want to throw them under the train and have God banish them to Hell! Forgiveness is not an option for Democrats.

I bet the mainstream Republicans wish they had not allowed the Religious Right Republicans to take over the party.

At one point, I wanted to become a Republican, but once they started to try and tell us how we should live and what is allowed in our private lives, based on the bible, it was totally opposite of the things I use to enjoy about wanting to be a Republican.

You do indeed reap what you sow.

Eric, Wash. DC   July 17th, 2007 8:56 am ET

I find it remarkable that the senator can apologize for and deny this allegation in the same breath.

Robert Cadalso, NYC, Miami   July 17th, 2007 8:18 am ET

Not only what she said about Hillary, but she had the nerve to say, this should have been a "private matter".

Bunch of hypocrites.

Richard, Georgia   July 17th, 2007 8:08 am ET

Another slimeball Republican Hypocrite.

Why do I have the feeling that the New Orleans madame will have some hard evidence about the esteemed Senator from Louisiana which she will be happy to provide upon payment from Larry Flynt.

This story isn't over yet.

Glenn,B'ham,Al   July 17th, 2007 7:51 am ET

At least this man didn't let his problems interfere with his votes. He seems to realize that what he did was wrong & isn't blaming everyone but himself.

snickers   July 17th, 2007 3:16 am ET

Sen. and Mrs. Vitter want a pass on this although they have declared strong statements and moral judgments in the past about those not adhering to their definitions of family values.
The jury is still out on whether or not Sen. Vitter has told the whole truth and nothing but the truth regarding his dealings with other brothels in N.O. If he hasn't told the truth, he should be held to the same standard of public scrutiny as other elected officials have been when their private lives do not measure up to their political platforms and votes.

hershey   July 17th, 2007 2:01 am ET

I am not surprised to see that the many comments published earlier in the evening have been exponged from the record. Since when is a politician's denial of sexual escapades more valid then the allegations of the women or men with whom they have had adulterous liaisons? Why has the standard for this type of allegation changed since Pres. Clinton was in office?

Anonymous   July 16th, 2007 10:47 pm ET

Oh my…

I feel so sorry for his wife…to be maried to such a sneaky 2 faced jerk.

Hoe embarassing for Wendy to have to sit there like that.

Rick, Chicago Illinois   July 16th, 2007 9:46 pm ET

Justin, Gainesville, Florida …. probable answer: maybe because nobody cares what the hypocrite's wife said about Hillary. She AND her comments are irrelevant.

We're all still reveling in his hypocrisy.

Nice try at taking the focus off his marital indiscretions there!

Oh, and if you don't like CNN, don't post here.

Thanks in advance!

Cliff Jones, honolulu hi   July 16th, 2007 9:28 pm ET

Why is this news. I thought that what Vitter done was part of the culture down there. Isn't that where Clinton's old girlfriend Jennifer Flowers hiding out.Doesn't she own a bar in New Orleans?

sonny c. v.p.,la.   July 16th, 2007 9:18 pm ET

Mrs. Vitter didn't demonize the media or express concern for Chelsey Clinton when Hillary had the same problem magnified a hundredfold.

BruntLIVE   July 16th, 2007 8:25 pm ET

Justin, why don't you goto that one movie theater in Gainesville and pipe down. Just because you are mad Bush is a nightmare to America. I bet you hang out at that park in Gainesville don't ya? See in the bushes buddy. Not!

Brad, Tampa, Florida   July 16th, 2007 8:22 pm ET

A complete hypocrite ! He must now pay the price for his sins ! He judged many , now he must be judged ! His constiuents in Louisiana and all the editorial pages in his home state need to call for his resignation because I fear he still has much more in his dirty little closet.

Rob Guzman, Oakland, CA   July 16th, 2007 8:20 pm ET

So he admits to breaking the law and being a john. Does this mean he is going to willingly submit himself to a court for prosection and please guilty? Why should prostitutes be prosecuted and he has no repurcussions from his illegal actions?

KC StPete Fl   July 16th, 2007 8:12 pm ET

More BS from this Republican born again!!!

Al, San Dieog, CA   July 16th, 2007 8:11 pm ET

Justin, from Gainesville, FL….far be it for me to take the side of any news organization, and moreso for me to comment on my political views, but would you rather FOX's Fair and InBalanced come to your rescue here…also, for what it is worth, speaking of morons…it is Mrs. Vitter, she is married…and regarding her statement, that is mutually exclusive to the question/posts at hand. He ran on a campaign that he is not living up too….he should pay the piper.

Walt Hetfield   July 16th, 2007 8:11 pm ET

Oh, I get it! Vitter is the "victim" and the big bad "liberal media" are the bad guys. What a dope. Another bible belching politician shows what he's really made of. I don't care what his views are - he's a jerk! But from what I can see - he doesn't even believe in his own views.

Bob Bush, Austin TX   July 16th, 2007 8:08 pm ET

Diaper Dave… bringing honesty to Louisiana Politics since… oh who am I kidding.

Dale, Atlanta, GA   July 16th, 2007 8:08 pm ET

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) first got his start in Congress after replacing former Rep. Bob Livingston (R-LA), who “abruptly resigned after disclosures of numerous affairs” in 1998. At the time, Vitter argued that an extramarital affair was grounds for resignation:

“I think Livingston’s stepping down makes a very powerful argument that Clinton should resign as well and move beyond this mess,” he said. [Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 12/20/98]

This is yet another "Family Values" hypocrit!

Bob, New Orleans, Louisiana   July 16th, 2007 8:06 pm ET

He needs to go ahead and send in his resignation. He campaigned all over the state about morals, including anti-woman morals as a positive, and how the family is the most important thing of all.

Ah, c'est hypocrisie, non?

And this isn't about Hillary. This is about David.

Pam, Canton, Ohio   July 16th, 2007 8:04 pm ET

Could it be that Wendy's comments were overlooked by the fact that the majority of married women in this country are embarresed by her actions?

Anonymouse, Wake Forest, NC   July 16th, 2007 8:01 pm ET

I am a conservative of the libertarian variety (i.e., low taxes, minimal regulation, social noninterference). Sentaor Vitter's brand of social "conservatism" is a fraud, perpetrated by a fringe cabal of theocrats, perverts, and voyeurs with an unhealthy interest in the deeply personal affairs conducted between consenting adults, and a misguided urge to regulate the relationship between Providence and humanity. For example, consider the failed Federal Marriage Amendment.

Hopefully, the recent humiliation suffered by the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana has taught him modesty, humility, and his place. I do not curse Mr. Vitter for his fervent belief that marriage is a sacred, mutually-exclusive, life-long tripartite covenant between two people of opposite gender and God (even if his own actions have lately run contrary to this assertion); my Christian faith is identical. Besides his infidelity, Mr. Vitter's prime folly is his misplaced belief in government as some sort of providential enforcer.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   July 16th, 2007 7:58 pm ET

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

Anonymous   July 16th, 2007 7:57 pm ET

I used to blame, judge & insult everyone — NOW I have repented
from my sins

Because he is NOT a preacher
Because he is remorseful & sorry
he SHOULD be forgiven

Rob A, Eden Prairie, MN   July 16th, 2007 7:56 pm ET

Very serious sin in his past? Like yesterday?

There is something especially hypocritical about these Republicans and their "family values" being caught with their pants down. How many millions did they spend to crucify Clinton for his indiscretion? And this Republican has the gall to insist he deserves to keep HIS job? Makes me want to puke.

Carol Fields, Ventura, CA   July 16th, 2007 7:56 pm ET

It would be useful for news outlets like CNN to put stories like Vitter's in context. Vitter was a vociferous critic of Pres. Clinton during the Monica scandal. To have Vitter's wife speak at a press conference (which means that she should be asked questions by journalists, as well), saying this was a personal, family matter that shouldn't be politicized is extremely hypocritical, calling upon the media once again to do their job and put stories into context.

Sean, Marshfield, MA   July 16th, 2007 7:48 pm ET

Why doesn't someone ask her if she has pulled the Bobbit yet, as she said she was a lot more like Lorena Bobbit than Hillary Clinton. That question clearly must not show enough respect to a wife who obviously likes to jump into the political mix only when it is convenient, when it is not she hides behind a bunch of fake tears and very nice and private southern home.

Shirley in Las Vegas, Nevada   July 16th, 2007 7:46 pm ET

I agree, Justin–when will we see Wendy Vitter's apology for her comments about Hillary Clinton's decision to stay with Bill? Or is cheating on your wife with a professional less serious than shagging an intern?

Ann, Troy, MI   July 16th, 2007 7:44 pm ET

Tit for tat, huh? WHY are YOU worried about Hillary? THIS is ABOUT Vitter. Got it yet??

Cab, Miami Beach Fl   July 16th, 2007 7:43 pm ET

Why should I believe you, You lied to your kids and wife.

Your nothin but a trick.

mike, chicago   July 16th, 2007 7:43 pm ET

Tip of the iceberg.

Sorry to say it but I see it getting worse.

Now please excuse me while I go work on a
crucial water resources bill.

Josey, Tampa, FL   July 16th, 2007 7:43 pm ET

CNN is pretty worthless in their coverage.

Mo Latno San Francisco California   July 16th, 2007 7:39 pm ET

I Wish Lorena, ah, I mean Wendy Vitter would keep her word to all of us

Oscar, Sarasota, FL   July 16th, 2007 7:39 pm ET

Why isn't Vitter being charged with a crime in DC. Isn't it illegal to patronize a prostitute?

Adam Engler, South Bend, IN   July 16th, 2007 7:34 pm ET

Why no commentary about the Senator's previous statements regarding "family values" and his close relationship with the religious right.

If one is to live by "family values"–one should die by them as well.

Roy, St.Paul, MN   July 16th, 2007 7:34 pm ET

What a stark contradiction: Vitter attacking gays because they pose such a huge threat to the institution of marriage. Vitter must go!

A. S. Mathew, Ringgold, Georgia   July 16th, 2007 7:27 pm ET

Sen. Vitter has to do a lot of public relations circus to clear himself from this mess. It is better for him and
the Republican party that he may
resign at this spot to avoid further
damage.

LeftyLosey   July 16th, 2007 7:27 pm ET

Thats liberal incompetent morons Justin or Clinton News Network works too. The corruption is so obvious..

Mo Latno San Francisco California   July 16th, 2007 7:26 pm ET

It is too bad that Senator Vitter cannot come to terms with the real implications of his sexual indescretion. It is immoral to promote the "sanctity of marriage" on one hand, to chastise others for same sex marriage, all while employing prostitutes and engaging in extramarital affairs himself. I hope this story stays in the headlines long enough for the Senator to realize that his right to privacy in the bedroom is forfited by his hypocrisy.

Big Matty, New London, PA   July 16th, 2007 7:23 pm ET

What comments did Wendy Vitter make? Did she mention her lust for cigars? Sen. Vitter might as well pack it in and start working with the rest of the Lousy-anna politicians like "Dollar" Bill…my bet is he becomes a wealthy lobbyist in 6 months. So much for a Rhodes Scholar!

San Francisco, CA   July 16th, 2007 7:16 pm ET

If you've ever worked in the adult business, you'd know that many prostitutes have patrons that are politicians and lobbyists as well. Politicians are known among people in the adult business to hire girls who are out of their working area generally and have them flown in or meet them elsewhere. Someone at the white house had porn stars flown up from the Las Vegas AVN convention last year for a dinner or event. I've worked in the biz for 7+ years.

Jerry, LA, CA   July 16th, 2007 7:12 pm ET

That hypocrite should resign along with many others.

John   July 16th, 2007 7:07 pm ET

What does Senator Vitter mean by a "very serious sin in my past"? This guy broke the law by his own admission!

Look at his voting record and his speeches and ask yourself if he should live by his own "family values" and "Law and Order" values. This guy should be censored by the Senate for committing a crime and he should resign.

Justin, Gainesville, Florida   July 16th, 2007 7:01 pm ET

Why isn't CNN reporting on Ms. Vitter's comments regarding Hillary? I mean other than the fact that the network is run by a bunch of incompetent morons?

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