I think Vitter will and should resign

[jcrew2001]

Many politicians have been able to over-come reports of infidelity and affairs.

But I don't recall any elected politician ever staying in office after being caught with prostitutes. Its not just infidelity or committing a sin; its also about committing a misdemeanor; and increases the chances of spreading STD's through multiple partners.

If Vitter stays, the DNC will have a gift for the 2008 national and senate elections. It can be made just as bad as the Mark Foley scandal. It might also help a Democrat win the Louisiana Governorship.

I would also be very surprised if Mrs. Vitter doesn't file for divorce, being the deeply religious family values person that she is.

[kansasblue]

1. If he doesn't that going to be a heck of a anchor around the Republicans. nt

[saltpoint]

2. In the best case scenario politically, Vitter resigns.

Sooner rather than later. Tomorrow, actually, would be a good time.

Politically, it permits Democratic Governor Blanco the opportunity to select a Democratic replacement for that Senate seat. We'll take one more vote if we can get it.

But the real reason is personal. Vitter is a hypocrit for pretending to be a family values guy while hiring escorts. All the while this contradiction is being played out, he's a consistent vote against reproductive and sexual freedoms for others. That's unacceptable. On a personal basis, he has failed politically, but could still recover personally as a husband and a father.

I'd like to see him carry the dignity of those personal commitments out of this crisis, but politically, I expect him to resign his seat.

[YDogg]

4. Sounds like a plan to me ...

... but I'm guessing he's under tremendous pressure to remain in office. I hope his wife leaves his sorry ass, but you know, she knows at least part of what he's about.

[saltpoint]

5. I bet you're right. She may have known for some time.

I think you're dead-on about the pressure as well.

But it's a mixed bag for the Republicans. Do they want him in there, or do they want him out?

Tough call for the red team.

[jcrew2001]

7. There are a lot of Christian Repubs who should ask Vitter to resign

How about these guys stepping up - Romney, McCain, Brownback, Huckabee - they should ask Vitter to resign to prove their "Family Values".

I guess that since the Republican congress doesn't have any power, they will just stick it to the Dems and leave Vitter there.

But Vitter will be the "Mark Foley" of 2008. Watch all the Soccer/Security Moms vote Dem in 2008 now.

Does anyone know what Pat Robertson or James Dobson have said about Vitter?

[calimary]

26. Good point. Even with gilmore gone, we still have a nice rack of

holier-than-thou's who by all rights SHOULD be stepping up and denouncing this guy, and demanding his resignation for the good of the party. Hell, they put the good of their party above everything else. Why should they go silent now?

[snowbear]

3. Since he's not up again until 2011 ...

..according to MSNBC this morning - they said the best thing has going for him is "time on his side".

Hard to say what will happen..

Here's the thing though.. Didn't they say that there's still 2 more U.S. Senator's names, and 20-something Congressional names that haven't been released yet? At least that's what the Hustler dude said in an interview.

No telling who's on the rest of the list!

[pocoloco]

6. Think Large diapers

and it will all work out all right!

[Tarheel_Dem]

8. I agree with you....

I remember how they whisked Mark Foley away once his indiscretions became public, and I don't know that he's been seen in public since. There will be calls from what's left of the "Moral Majority" for his resignation, and since this involves "sex, lies, and maybe videotape(?)", the press might not let go so easily.

They'll want to get this guy into hiding and/or rehab as quickly as possible, or he'll serve as a millstone around their necks through the next election cycle.

[jcrew2001]

9. Why is the media and the Christian right quiet on this story?

I saw on Hardball that they are saying "we have bigger issues like Iraq" and "personal sex lives are none of our business" - gimme a break.

Its really sad to see this media and christian hypocracy when they are protecting Republicans. If they don't force Vitter to resign, then they have no authority on any moral or christian issues. Pat Robertson, and James Dobson should be ashamed if they cover up for Vitter.

According to Republicans, Moral issues still matter in America - like their stance on Gay Marriage, Abortion, and Stem Cell research. Apparently prostitution is okay with them, since they like to cherry pick their issues.

[rasputin1952]

10. The RW Christian mouthpieces have learned through experience that

coming out in favor of their own, after trying to crush others, just doesn't work. People are too savvy these days, as to precisely how hypocritical all of this appears. Why is a "sex scandal" life and death of the nation when it is about a D, but an R can be forgiven immediately..."just an indiscretion"...for an R.

The nation has seen enough of this stuff, and will not buy into the claptrap these screechmonkeys anymore...they've used up their ammo, they have nothing left.

[jcrew2001]

13. Hopefully the Media will increase their calls on Vitter to resign

this week when and if Vitter returns to work in DC. My guess is that he doesn't return at all - he can't deal with the media embarrasment and harassment that will wait for him. He'll have to dodge this issue for at least a year or more. He might get some abatement if another congressman gets caught in the scandal, especially if its a democrat.

But as of now, I would guess that he is a goner. I find it sad that these Republicans are coddling Vitter, hopefully the media will treat them with the same stigma and scorn of supporting prostitution and those who frequent prostitution.

On a final note, US taxpayers and LA taxpayers should be disgusted at financing the prostitution habits of a Senator. Maybe he'll use the "sex-addict" excuse but he hurt his wife, his children, and others through his sexual encounters and infidelity. As a taxpayer, I demand punishment because while he may have been forgiven by his wife and church, he hasn't been forgiven by his constituents and the taxpayers. Just because he asks for forgiveness, doesn't mean we're ready to give it to him. But he hasn't even asked for forgiveness yet.

[rasputin1952]

14. I never heard of the fool before this...if he wasn't marginalized before

this...he's out of it now. Those that come out in support of him will feel some heat as well...it is the hypocrisy thing that will register w/most...some "family man"...:eyes:

I don't care if he visited 100 whorehouses, it's none of my business...but when he runs on a Puritan Platform condemning others for what essentially he is doing he gets zero respect from me.


He suffers from the same delusions as other extremists...If he would have campaigned saying, "I have first hand experience in this matter and can work things out w/my family", he would not have the problem he has now.

It is all about the hypocrisy...Like Limbaugh taking about "strong family values"...but he's been married and divorced 3x...and he still has to explain "why" he can be a spokesman for "strong family values"....then again, it's no secret..."Jeff Christie" is always waiting in the wings, :D

[jcrew2001]

16. I'm a Taxpayer and I don't want my taxes paying his salary

if he is spending it on prostitutes. I still think that elected officials work for the citizens, and that We are the Decider, We are the Boss.

Some may say its his salary and his money - no its my money that he's stealing.

He never asked for the taxpayers forgiveness, he never asked for my forgiveness. Does he think he is better than you or me?

Is he going to escape this without being punished?

[rasputin1952]

20. I don't wat my tax money spent on the Iraq War, bombs or that ridiculous

"Star Wars" crap...but it isn't going to chnage until these bastards are out of office.

I douobt the Senate will remove him to any extent, but he has been neutered, and that counts for something.

And yes, I agree he should have at least asked for forgiveness from his constituents, if forgiveness is an issue. He doesn't care about people though, if he did, he would have been a little more discretionary in his behavior. He's another one of those, "God Forgave Me, so you mean nothing", types. bush is the same way...and cheney, well, he's satan's brother anyway, so no forgiveness there...:evilfrown:

[Tarheel_Dem]

30. agreed....

But, you forgot that in rightwing world, their indiscretions should be treated as private family matters; whereas indiscretions from the left should be treated as a constitutional crisis.

I'll never forget the late Rev. Falwell going on all the national political talk shows calling for Clinton's resignation because he had lost the "Moral Authority" to lead. And Vitter embracing Bob Livingston's resignation, and calling on Clinton to do the same because of extramarital affairs. But this, in my mind, is a thousand times worse. Vitter paid for sex, which is illegal in DC, and as far as I know in Louisiana.

He should resign, and he should use his press conference this afternoon to do so. And the Dobsons & Robertsons' & Phelps' should be making the talk show circuit screaming for his resignation.

[jcrew2001]

31. He must have bought off Dobson, Robertson and God esp

since God has forgiven him! In my honest opinion, Prostitution is not something that should be condoned, especially if its illegal. If Vitter wants to have a private life, he can return to being a private citizen.

But as long as I am paying his salary, I will demand his resignation. He's a public figure and his job is to represent the American citizens and uphold our laws. Its a 24/7 job and he has proven that he can't handle the responsibilities and expectations of his constituents.

As long as he stays, I will not have any problem branding the Republican party as condoning Prostitution and covering up the perpetrators.

[Jade Fox]

36. There's some who have called for his resignation....

Can't remember where I read it.

I'm hoping something will surface that proves Vitter was a client of the New Orleans Madam. Then he will be exposed as a bald faced liar. He was stupid to even bring the subject up yesterday. He has publicly labeled that Madam (who LIKED him) a liar, and that sort of thing usually functions as a challenge. She's probably looking for proof as we speak.

[jcrew2001]

37. Also, Drudge hasn't mentioned Vitter at all

which is surprising since he made his name off the clinton affair.

[PBass]

11. Have you seen people speculating that the GOP is trying to get Blanco to cut a deal?

The deal would supposedly be that the GOP gets Vitter to step down, if Blanco appoints a Republican for the interim period until an election can be held.

Stupid deal!!!! Don't take it, Blanco. This is a win-win situation for the Dems (!!!!):

Vitter steps down: Blanco can appoint a Dem
or
Vitter refuses to step down: The bogus "GOP is the party of family values" campaign slogan is off the table, for the 2008 election.

WIN-WIN

[jcrew2001]

12. Maybe Blanco can place a "moderate" Dem

to get Vitter to resign....however that "moderate Dem" will help us nonetheless.

[dansolo]

22. If it allows us to jettison Joe Lieberman

If Blanco has the chance, she should choose a Democrat to replace Vitter. Then Joe Lieberman should be stripped of all of his committee positions. Let's see how he likes being with the Republicans when he no longer has any power to wield.

[Alexander]

15. That's why we should CALL HIS OFFICE and demand resignation.

Bringing up the diaper thing would probably also help.

[jcrew2001]

17. I think that Blanco could appoint Breaux

because he had won the Senate seat before and might not run in the special election and retire.

That might be acceptable to republicans, esp if Breaux were to retire.

[Alexander]

24. Agreed, Breaux is clearly the best choice if Vitter resigns.

IIRC, he is still a popular figure in Louisiana politics.

[juajen]

29. I don't agree.

Breaux wouldn't leave his lucrative lobbyist job to run for Gov. after Kathleen asked him to, so I don't think he would like being a temporary Senator. Half the time, it seems to me, he was voting with pugs anyway.

[Alexander]

41. Then who else?

[locopolitico]

18. I hope Vitter stays

The more prostitute-frequenting, diaper-wearing "family values" Republican hypocrites we have around, the better it will be for our 2008 election hopes.

[jcrew2001]

21. Has anyone confirmed whether he went to brothels in NO?

Also, the NO prostitute he allegedly saw has a myspace page - her name is Wendy Yow and her profile says she "loves Louisiana men and is very open-minded" haha.

[depakid]

19. Well, it wasn't a dead girl or a live boy

So I expect he'll stay- and I also expect that Republicans will vote for him again.

[CK_John]

23. Vitter will hold out for a high priced buyout and the repugs will only agree

if Blanco appoints a repug. Remember you can't shame the shameless.

[Irreverend IX]

25. I can't wait to hear his excuses...

"The demon booze made me do it! I was molested by a priest! Hollywood movies have eroded my moral values!"

If there's any truth to the diaper thing, I suspect he'll off himself before anyone can ask him about it.

[Hekate]

27. If enough people follow him around waving Pampers at him, maybe he will

I mean there's manly disgrace (affairs, hookers), and then there's really perverted behavior.

And he was getting messages while he was on the House floor, like Mark Foley? What is it with these Publicans?

Hekate

[Fire Walk With Me]

28. Too bad causing the deaths of 1M Iraqis and 3500+ US soldiers isn't cause to demand resignation.

This is an insane society.

[OHdem10]

32. When is La Governor's election. On 3 different shows

there has been speculation, that he may try to ride things
out for a while. It is thought Bobby Gyndahl will be the
next Governor.(Republican) He could appoint a Republican
to Replace Vitter.

[KamaAina]

33. It is *this November*, an off-year election

Let us hope that "Vitty Cent" will drag all La. repukes into the sewer with him, up to and including Jindal. It will be interesting indeed to see who sticks by Diaper Daddy, and who scurries for the bilge pumps.

Now all we need is a credible Dem candidate, but what the hey, qualifying isn't until September...

[jcrew2001]

34. Has Wendy come forward

Wendy Yow has a myspace page - do a search for her. She might have some stories of her former client.

[jcrew2001]

35. That does make sense - its still quite sickening to have

a Senator admit to visiting prostitutes and keep his job. At least he wasn't doing coke lines off them, or rolling ecstasy. Maybe there's some secret "Eyes Wide Shut" sex club orgy that he goes to - now that would be interesting.

But yeah, LA is trending Republican and Blanco was going to lose anyway - so hopefully Vitter leaves in January.

[MasonJar]

38. I thought she was going to emasculate him. So much for Pug promises.

[Colobo]

39. Just because he saw prostitutes? I don't give a damn about his sexual life.

I think he being a Republican is what truly sucks.

[Yupster]

40. Barney Frank

is one politician who stayed in office after getting caught with a prostitute. He's doing fine.

[jcrew2001]

46. there was less media coverage back then and it was his roomate

running an escort service - but the roomate/boyfriend probably didn't pay the rent.

[miceelf]

42. Vitter should stay

His presence will be a continuing reminder of the hypocrisy of the so-called "party of family values."

[Imagevision]

43. Especially after he bad mouths Bill Clinton for "commiting a terrible sin"

putz!!!

[DFW]

44. I think Vitter should and won't resign

Republicans spout off their moral outrage only when Democrats commit
some "moral" offense. When Republicans do it, it's a private matter,
and besides, God granted them instant forgiveness, anyway.

Vitter's greatest sin wasn't visiting a call girl. His greatest sin
was putting himself up there as some judge of moral values when he,
himself, possesses none.

[ShortnFiery]

45. Agreed.

Like Bill Clinton SHOULD have resigned (remember his seduction of an Intern was in his DIRECT work environment and a reason for the Military to prosecute Members who act as such), Vitter ALSO should resign, BUT WON'T. The morality bar has been set way way way too low. :(

With regard to misconduct: American "Leaders" are tapping new lows in disgusting and immoral behavior on BOTH The all-important war and torture front as well as in their personal and sexual misconduct.

I'm disgusted and believe we should DEMAND MORAL behavior in our legislators on both personal and political fronts ... One VALID Answer = vote "the lion's share" of these BUMS OUT! Vote IN legislators who are NOT afraid to take A MORAL stand for their constituents, not their personal careers or carnal desires. :thumbsdown:

Vote Out Incumbents Democracy: http://voidnow.org/

[jcrew2001]

47. Yes, instant forgiveness by God

its wonderful!

[Arugula Latte]

48. He needs to wipe

the slate clean :D