Posted on 08/24/2009 9:15:12 AM PDT by Ebenezer
While [Senator David] Vitter is holding a series of town hall meetings across Louisiana, [Democrat Congressman Charlie] Melancon is deciding whether to challenge the incumbent Senator. If he runs, Melancon will have to deal with the relatively low approval rating for the Democratic Party’s top official, President Barack Obama, in Louisiana. Undoubtedly, he will find as many issues as possible to oppose the Obama administration. Melancon also faces a financial disadvantage against Vitter and will have a challenge matching the Senator’s fundraising success. To raise Democratic Party funds, Melancon recently attended a gathering in Martha’s Vineyard. Vitter wasted no time in labeling the event, a liberal lobbyist love fest. This week, it was also reported that Melancon and other congressmen visited the South Pole and Australia during the New Year’s holiday in 2008. It was estimated that the costs for this excursion exceeded $500,000, a fact trumpeted by Vitter in a blistering news release sent out to local media. If Melancon runs, he should prepare for a spirited challenge from Vitter, who throughout his career has relished aggressive campaign tactics.
In the past few months, Vitter has enjoyed tremendous success in uniting the GOP behind his candidacy, resulting in a formidable campaign war chest. Almost every major Louisiana Republican official has either officially or unofficially endorsed Senator Vitter, including Governor Bobby Jindal who headlined a major fundraiser for the incumbent.
Vitter has his own challenges, as his 44% approval rating is rather anemic. A Democratic Party insider promised that the party was going to defeat the Senator and expose him for being a “family values hypocrite.” Regardless of the Democratic Party campaign strategy, Vitter is prepared for the race and today is in much better shape than many political analysts predicted at the height of the D.C. Madam scandal.
Two years ago Vitter admitted to “a serious sin” in connection with his involvement with the D.C. Madam call girl ring. Vitter has never disclosed the extent of his “serious sin,” but his phone number appeared multiple times on the call list for the madam. Many speculate that Vitter was a frequent and longstanding customer for the D.C. Madam. Once the story broke, Vitter went into seclusion for a week. He emerged with his wife and together they held a memorable press conference where they were united in dealing with the issue. Wendy Vitter’s support helped Vitter survive the incident.
Fast forward to today and the state is witnessing a revitalized David Vitter. In the last seven months, Vitter has found new life by attacking President Obama’s nominees and his agenda. Conservatives have heralded Vitter for his staunch opposition to the liberal policies of Obama.
As long as the economy is troubled and President Obama is suffering in Louisiana polls, Vitter can continue to saddle with opponent with the political baggage of the administration. At this point, it looks like Senator Vitter has at least a fighting chance to win re-election, an amazing turnaround from two years ago.
Pelican State ping
Vitter BUMP.
Moon says Melancon isn’t going to run for Senate. And he will have a hard enough time running for his congressional seat.
Thanks for that info. I love Moon!
David Vitter had already confessed to his wife about what he had done. I believe it was a few years ago that happened. It was the benevolent Larry Flint that wanted to end David Vitter’s career but, that didn't happen. Wendy Vitter is well liked in LA as well as David. They have worked through it and that's that as far as many Louisianians are concerned. Charlie, don't do it. Don't run - you will be wasting your money. We are going to fight for Sen. Vitter tooth and nail! He get’s it. He fights for what we want - unlike the Obamanites.
Vitter isn’t great but he’s good enough and there’s no way you’re going to see anyone beat him by attacking from the left. They’d have to hammer him from the right and given the current climate with Democrats they would have a hard time pulling that off.
Vitter is a SOLID CONSERVATIVE when it comes to his votes, and that is the ONLY THING that will matter in 2010. Perhaps in later elections, Republicans will get back to “cleansing” their officeholders who stray from their values, but right now, giving Obama a single additional vote for what he’s doing is not going to happen.
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