Vitter Seeks Key Law Enforcement Endorsement

Notwithstanding his 2007 prostitute scandal and a more recent controversy surrounding his retention of a top aide who attacked his girlfriend with a knife, Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) is seeking the endorsement of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association.

"I write to request that you support a Louisiana Sheriffs' Association endorsement of me for the U.S. Senate at your conference in Destin next week," writes Vitter in letters he sent to Sheriff's around the state, obtained by TPMDC. "I have worked hard to earn your support in a number of ways."

Among his pitches, Vitter notes, "Just recently, for example, I strongly opposed and helped defeat attempts to impose mandatory collective bargaining on your departments. This was included in a U.S. House-passed bill, which received the support and vote of my opponent Congressman [Charlie] Melancon."

That House bill was the war spending supplemental, which also included oil spill and Katrina cleanup funding.

One problem for both Vitter and Melancon: A Republican state representative in Louisiana named Ernest Wooton has jumped into the race as an independent...and he's a former Sheriff.

Neither Wooton nor the Louisiana Sheriff's association were immediately available for comment.