Posted on 07/21/2009 6:48:49 AM PDT by Ebenezer
NEW ORLEANS – The race is more than a year away and there already seems to be a long list of candidate's lining up to challenge Louisiana Senator David Vitter's re-election.
Hanging on to the job figured to be a slam dunk for Vitter, if not for his brush with a Capitol Hill call girl scandal.
His telephone number appeared in the phone records of the woman dubbed the "D.C. Madam."
Vitter said he admits his race for re-election next year will be difficult for him and his family.
"I'm sure it will be, but we're fully prepared for that because the job in the Senate is so important, particularly right now," said Vitter.
Vitter, a Republican, said he believes voters will give him a second chance.
"They know what I've said about that and how I've asked for forgiveness, and how I've received forgiveness from my family for this 10 years ago," said Vitter.
Eyewitness News political analyst Clancy DuBos said Vitter has never really come clean about his transgressions.
"Now he keeps saying I've apologized and I've asked for forgiveness, when I think there is an undertow out there in the electorate of we're not really sure what it is you're apologizing for because you're denying so much of it," said DuBos.
Democratic Congressman Charlie Melancon admits he's looking at a possible run against Vitter and will have an announcement in the coming weeks.
But, many political insiders believe Vitter may not be on the only Republican in the race.
"I think if polls begin to show by next spring that Vitter is vulnerable or that he's not going to win re-election, I think pressure will build on Governor Jindal to go and get in this race using Vitter's own argument against him that this seat is too critical and it needs to stay in Republican hands," said DuBos.
For now, Jindal maintains the only thing he's running for, is re-election. Monday in New Orleans, he avoided a question about the Senate race.
"Can we come back and do this?" Jindal asked. "I have to get back to Baton Rouge, thank you."
"I think there are always plenty of names thrown around this early on, but for people really to put their hat in the ring is a completely different matter," said Vitter. "I'll look for a healthy debate."
Granted, there's a lot of time between now and the Senate election in 2010. But the political drumbeats are already sounding across Louisiana.
So far, Senator Vitter has raised about $3.2 million for his re-election bid.
Pelican State ping
I don’t believe Vitter is vulnerable, personally. Especially not in 2010.
This is media spin, Vitter will win easily.
Apparently the Administration policy of personal distruction of members of the Republican Party is not working there.
Vitter will win in a runaway.
This is media spin, Vitter will win easily.
I agree. The “hatchet” liberal media and the democrats will be pulling out everything to beat Vitter. His wife, his Lord and we have forgiven him. So sit on it, liberals. I know Sen. Vitter and Wendy and they are grand people. David Vitter truly cares for Louisiana - he’s proven - and we know it!
Vitter takes a conservative stand on every subject and he has my vote so long as he does. I simply don’t see him as vunerable next election.
I think Senator Vitter will win next year, but I’m sure that many male voters will want to check out Stormy Daniels’ “positions.”
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