Posted on 10/29/2004 11:21:15 AM PDT by Theodore R.
Vitter calls emphasis on traffic tickets 'a silly attack'
By MARSHA SHULER mshuler@theadvocate.com Capitol news bureau
A national Democratic group is making political hay over Republican U.S. Rep. David Vitter's propensity to get traffic tickets. Vitter, a candidate in Tuesday's U.S. Senate election, called the disclosure "a silly attack."
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee circulated to the media details about 14 separate tickets that Vitter received for traffic violations between 1988 and 2003.
The traffic tickets included four for speeding, two for failure to obey traffic signs, and one with multiple violations, including allegations of failure to maintain control of a vehicle, improper turn, expired brake tags, no drivers license as well as improper parking.
All the tickets were issued in Jefferson Parish, where Vitter resides when he's not in Washington.
The Democratic committee said that the GOP congressman failed to appear in court on at least four of the charges and one case was still open as of May.
Vitter doesn't deny he's gotten the tickets.
"Like a lot of Louisianians I have gotten tickets. And like a lot of hard-working Louisianians I have paid them all," Vitter said in an interview Thursday. "I didn't fix it. … I didn't pull any strings."
Vitter said, "Having said that, I really think we should focus on real Louisiana challenges, important Louisiana issues, rather than have these outside national liberals coming in with these silly attacks."
The Washington-based committee is backing U.S. Rep. Chris John of Crowley, one of the Democratic candidates, and has spent $1.5 million on a television commercials criticizing Vitter.
Clinton backs John
Former President Clinton waded into the Louisiana U.S. Senate race Thursday in radio commercials and automated phone calls aimed at generating black voter support for John.
In both venues, the former president praises John and the Crowley congressman's record on African-American issues. He asks voters not to let Republicans win the Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. John Breaux, D-Crowley.
John said Thursday he welcomes the help from a president who presided over a good economy and peaceful years.
"Certainly, Bill Clinton and I didn't agree on everything," John said. "We agreed on balance budgets and righting the fiscal ship of this country."
Black voters represent 30 percent of the state's 2.9 million voters. They are key to Democratic election victories.
Contributions roll in
Republican Vitter bragged Thursday about a surge in campaign contributions leading into election day that has left his major opponent in the dust.
New federal campaign finance reports show Vitter raising $373,872 since Sept. 30, compared to Democratic John's $165,775.
A news release from Vitter's campaign said the disparity shows John's campaign is "faltering" as Tuesday's election gets closer.
"A money race I am not interested in getting into. He (Vitter) has all the Washington money he needs at will," said John. "It's not about the money. It's about the message."
Vitter outpaced John in receipts from individuals as well. Vitter raised $220,352 from individuals during the period, while John raised $116,770.
The report also showed that Vitter had $2.3 million in cash on hand to John's $659,984 as of Oct. 13.
Meanwhile, state Treasurer John Kennedy, another top tier Democratic contender, reported raising $102,390 during the period and had $732,510 in cash on hand as of Oct. 13. Individuals made $95,150 of the latest contributions.
Vitter meets students
Republican candidate Vitter gave a civics lesson Thursday to fifth-grade students at Shenandoah Elementary School in Baton Rouge.
The hands of about 75 students in maroon shirts flew in the air to answer Vitter's questions about the separation of powers.
"I'm very impressed," Vitter said. "You all knocked it out just like that."
Vitter, who was joined by his wife, Wendy, was asked a range of questions by students from why prescription drugs are cheaper in Canada to why he was running for the Senate.
This being Louisiana I would have to think having a few scrapes with the law actually helps a candidate :-)
Former 4 Term RAT Governor and convicted felon, Edwin Edwards once famously stated before one of his reelections, "the only way I will lose the election is if I am caught in bed with a dead boy".
In the past, Lousyanians love their politicians sleazy and corrupt. I know, I lived there most of my life.
This being Louisiana I would have to think having a few scrapes with the law actually helps a candidate :-)
Yes, but only for Democrats
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.