LA-SEN

2010 elections

TPM Approves These Messages: Five Great Ads Of 2010 (VIDEOS)

Eric Kleefeld | December 31, 2010, 3:07PM

With the year 2010 coming to a close, and a truly raucous election season behind us (and another set to begin), let's take a look at a real highlight of the cycle: A sampling, even just a small one, of some great campaign ads we got to see over the past year.

Unlike some of our other lists, we're not talking about a mix of great ads and awful ones that took on a kitsch value. (I'm looking in your direction, "I'm not a witch. I'm you," and also at you, "Aqua Buddha.")

No, here we're talking about truly great ads that applied ingenuity, creativity and pure guts to an election. We're talking about the ones whose creators deserve accolades and good spots on campaigns for 2012 -- and might just get them.

So get out your popcorn and your New Year's alcohol, and watch our five picks.

Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart: Tonight We Learned It's Better To Support Prostitutes Than Social Security (VIDEO)

Jillian Rayfield | November 3, 2010, 1:07AM

Jon Stewart was covering the election live tonight, and he was a little surprised that Republican Sen. David Vitter "has absolutely destroyed his challenger by going out with hookers. So really what is the message we're sending America tonight? It is better, I think, to go see prostitutes than in fact to believe Social Security is a right."

Stewart was also happy for New York Governor candidate Carl Paladino: "Carl Paladino's campaign to not be elected governor has succeeded. Andrew Cuomo is the victor. Paladino, of course, tried very hard not to be Governor. He must be feeling very pleased tonight."

Vitter Shellacks Melancon

Brian Beutler | November 2, 2010, 9:35PM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) and Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA)

How's this for a new standard of conduct in politics? A "values" Republican can weather a prostitution scandal in a conservative state as long as it occurs a couple years before his re-election bid in a GOP wave year.

If the Louisiana Senate race was a referendum on Democratic rule, it was also a referendum on Sen. David Vitter (R). He joined the House in 1999 as a values conservative on the right flank of the Republican party, replacing the disgraced Bob Livingston. Rumors swirled around Vitter for years, but he nonetheless moved to the Senate in 2005 replacing the retiring Democrat John Breaux. His reputation was shattered in 2007, though, when he was discovered to have solicited prostitutes in both Washington DC and Louisiana.

Tonight, however, he defeated Democratic Rep. Charlie Melancon in one of the most vicious campaigns of the 2010 cycle.

David Vitter

Vitter Refuses To Say Whether He Broke The Law In Prostitution Scandal

Brian Beutler | October 29, 2010, 11:18AM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) hearing testimony from oil executives.

At the final Louisiana Senate debate last night, incumbent David Vitter (R) dodged repeated questions about whether he broke the law by soliciting prostitutes in Washington, D.C. and Louisiana.

"[Y]ou can look back, you can continue to write stories in the media about it," Vitter told moderators. "That's your decision. It's a free country. I looked the voters of Louisiana in the eye. I spoke to them sincerely. I think they heard me and I think they understood me. And now I'm looking forward, I'm not looking back."

David Vitter

Melancon Ad: Vitter Used Taxpayers' Money To Pay For Prostitutes (VIDEO)

Brian Beutler | October 28, 2010, 9:47AM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

No more beating around the bush. In a brutal new segment running on network and cable television in Louisiana through election day, Rep. Charlie Melancon makes a final, daring pitch to voters that Sen. David Vitter's sex and abuse scandals make him unfit to serve.

"Our tax dollars pay David Vitter's salary, and he used it for prostitutes," the ad's narrator says. "Our money paid for Vitter's serious sin. Phone calls to prostitutes during official votes and tax dollars to help defend an aide who violently abused his girlfriend. In return, we got a disgraced senator ranked among the least effective in Congress."

Melancon hasn't exactly been shy about discussing Vitter's past. It's an issue he's highlighted around the state, and in a two minute that ran on cable TV earlier this cycle. But his camp's long been aware that it has to be fresh on voters' minds if Melancon's going to win.

David Vitter

New Radio Ad Highlights Vitter Vote To Protect Companies That Block Rape Lawsuits

Brian Beutler | October 27, 2010, 11:44AM

Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

A new Charlie Melancon radio ad running in Louisiana highlights Sen. David Vitter's (R-LA) opposition to legislation that would have barred the government from contracting with companies that prevent victims from taking cases of assault, discrimination, rape, and other forms of abuse to court.

The segment is narrated by Jennie Waldrop, a rape victim who confronted Vitter at a town hall last year over his vote on that.

"I asked him how could you support a law that denies victims like me the right to defend myself," she says in the ad. "He told me I didn't know what I was talking about ... and then he walked away. I never thought I'd get involved in politics, but David Vitter is a man unfit to be my Senator."

David Vitter

Religious And Ethnic Coalition Presses Vitter To Take Down And Apologize For Insensitive Ad

Brian Beutler | October 19, 2010, 10:12AM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

If constituent anger is any indication, the most truly offensive campaign ad this season comes from David Vitter featuring actors playing illegal immigrants, sneaking into the country to a welcoming parade and a big fat taxpayer check, thanks, supposedly, to the liberal politics of his opponent, Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA)

A coalition of about two dozen high-profile religious and ethnic leaders in the state was so put off by the segment that they've asked Vitter in a letter and a petition to take it down and apologize.

Veterans

Melancon Wins Endorsement From Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC

Brian Beutler | October 13, 2010, 1:43PM

Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA)

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW PAC) has endorsed Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA) in his bid to unseat Sen. David Vitter (R-LA).

"This endorsement is based on your strong support for veterans, national security and defense, and military personnel issues," the endorsement letter reads.

The PAC has been rebuked in recent days by its parent organization for endorsing liberal candidates including Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL).

LA-SEN

Vitter Ad Features Garish 'Welcome' For Mexican Illegal Immigrants (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | October 8, 2010, 3:33PM

Ad from Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), "Welcome Prize"

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) has what might be the most amazing ad that a Republican has ever put out on illegal immigration -- featuring a gang of shady Mexicans sneaking through a fence, being greeted by a welcome sign in both English and Spanish, an oversized novelty check giving them "a lot of taxpayer money," and a limousine to ride them off in style. And of course, all of it is blamed on Vitter's Democratic opponent, Rep. Charlie Melancon.

"Charlie Melancon. Thanks to him we might as well put out a welcome sign for illegal aliens," the announcer says. "Melancon voted to make it easier for illegals to get taxpayer funded benefits, and actual welfare checks. Melancon even voted against allowing police to arrest illegals. Thanks to Charlie Melancon, it's no wonder illegals keep coming, and coming..."

It does seem odd that a demographic known for doing menial labor at below the legal minimum wage would get a ride in a limo. Also, it should be noted that among the crowds of Americans being taken advantage of by the illegal immigrants in the ad -- taxpayers, police, that old-fashioned Louisiana marching band -- all but one of them are white.

The TPM Poll Average puts Vitter ahead by 47.6%-34.6%.

The Colbert Report

Colbert On Angle And Vitter Ads Using Same Immigrant Picture: 'Holy Frijoles, Those Are The Same Hombres!' (VIDEO)

David Taintor | October 8, 2010, 10:00AM

Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert kicked off his show last night by showing anti-immigration campaign ads from Senate candidates Sharron Angle (R-NV) and Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), that use the same stock photos.

"This is the most terrifying scenario of all: There aren't enough stock photos of scary minorities out there to represent all the scary minorities we know have got to be out there," Colbert said.

[TPM SLIDESHOW: The Whole Truthiness: Stephen Colbert Testifies On Capitol Hill]

Colbert also showcased his new "fear-based photo licensing service," dubbed fearstock.com, which offers one picture of Colbert in a vaguely threatening pose.

LA-SEN

Vitter A No-Show At Debate, Attends Republican-Only Event Instead

Brian Beutler | October 6, 2010, 1:16PM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) hearing testimony from oil executives.

Louisiana's leading Senate candidates gathered last night for their first scheduled debate in Houma, LA. Well, one of them gathered. Front-runner David Vitter (R) didn't show.

Instead of joining his Democratic rival Charlie Melancon for an hour-plus long, unscripted Q&A, Vitter skipped the session entirely, according to tracker footage taken by the Louisiana Democratic party, headed to an event for Republicans only in Kenner, some 50 miles away.

Larry Flynt

Larry Flynt Renews Million Dollar Offer For Dirt On Vitter, Other Politicians' Sexual Affairs (VIDEO)

Brian Beutler | October 4, 2010, 2:25PM

In the course of lambasting Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) for his repeated dalliances with multiple prostitutes, Hustler publisher Larry Flynt renewed his million-dollar offer to anybody who can prove they had extra-marital sex with Vitter or any high-ranking official.

[TPM SLIDESHOW: SOCIAL CONSERVATIVE SCANDALS]

In so doing, he also previewed what he says will become the next big political sex scandals.

"We know we've got a gay senator," Flynt said on CNN yesterday evening. "We just like to see him come out of the closet. And I think we'll be exposing that in the next few months if he doesn't."

LA-SEN

Melancon Turns Vitter Prostitutution Reenactment Video Into Two-Minute TV Ad (VIDEO)

Brian Beutler | September 29, 2010, 9:04AM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) hearing testimony from oil executives.

This summer, Louisiana Dems hinted that their fall strategy to defeat Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) would be to vividly remind voters of Vitter's prostitute-laden scandal sheet. They unveiled a five-minute web ad that included a reenactment and a recreation of the "crime scene" where Vitter and a prostitute liaised.

Now, his challenger, Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA), has turned that web ad into a two-minute long TV spot, which will run on Louisiana cable statewide starting tonight or tomorrow.

The web-ad went viral on YouTube, and its successor contains much of the same footage that made Internet version so compelling. Melancon has lagged about 10 points behind Vitter for most of the campaign, but polls show that many Louisiana voters remain unaware of Vitter's previous scandals. In the final stretch of the campaign, Dems are hoping to change that.

Watch:

Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Administration Officials Plead With Landrieu To Drop Hold On OMB Nominee Jack Lew

Christina Bellantoni | September 29, 2010, 8:47AM

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA)

Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu is holding up President Obama's key economic appointee in critical fiscal times over a local issue his economic team has no control over, giving Republicans campaign ammunition and throwing a wrench into budget planning just as the Senate is set to go home for the elections.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and other top administration officials have been pleading with Landrieu (D-LA) to release her hold on the nomination of Jack Lew to be President Obama's new Office of Management and Budget director. But Landrieu says she won't budge until the moratorium on Gulf Coast drilling is lifted.

OMB doesn't have jurisdiction over drilling, and Democrats are privately outraged someone from their own party would block such a critical nomination -- with several suggesting the state of gridlock in the Senate has reached an untenable level. What's more, the delay to install Lew creates big budgetary problems just as the administration is prepping for several major initiatives, including the 2012 spending blueprint.

David Vitter

Exclusive: CREW To File Ethics Complaint Against Vitter Over Violent Aide

Brian Beutler | September 21, 2010, 12:45PM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) hearing testimony from oil executives.

The Congressional watchdog organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) will file an official complaint against Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) tomorrow, urging Senate ethics investigators to probe several allegations of misconduct, TPM has learned.

All of the allegations relate to Vitter's professional relationship with Brent Furer, a former top aide who was arrested in January 2008 for assaulting his then girlfriend with a knife, but remained on Vitter's staff and working on women's issues until June of this year when he resigned.

CREW contends that Vitter misused official funds in two ways.

David Vitter

Vitter Pledge To Tea Party: 'I Will Conduct Myself...In A Morally And Socially Appropriate Manner'

Brian Beutler | September 16, 2010, 4:28PM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA.)

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), along with a handful of other Louisiana politicians, has signed on to the North Central Louisiana TEA Party Patriots Candidate Pledge.

That includes a promise to "Conduct myself personally and professionally in a moral and socially appropriate manner."

We leave it to readers to draw their own conclusions. You can read the entire pledge below the fold.

David Vitter

Vitter At 9/11 Tea Party Rally: Obama's 'Grave' Policies 'Killing Americans' (VIDEO)

Brian Beutler | September 13, 2010, 1:05PM

Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

At a 9/11 rally in Louisiana on Saturday, Sen. David Vitter compared President Obama's domestic policies to the threat of terrorism, and charged that those same policies are "killing Americans."

Vitter first criticized Obama's foreign policies, charging that they've left the country "less secure" from foreign attack. He went on, adding that, "as grave as these threats from outside our borders are, threats from inside our borders - bad policy, economic policy, threats to our fundamental freedoms - are just as grave."

From there, Vitter cited a familiar litany of conservative complaints about Democratic policies, from stimulus to health care reform, to the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Those he described as "dangerous stuff."

2010 elections

TPM's Top 10 Senate Races To Watch

Brian Beutler | September 13, 2010, 8:35AM

Kentucky Senate candidates Jack Conway and Rand Paul talk with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

Campaign season doesn't really heat up until September ... which means now. That means all the scandals and ads and ups and downs you've heard and read about in the last several months were just stage-setters. Most voters really begin paying attention now.

It's looking like a tough year for Senate Democrats, almost of whom are polling below 50 percent. Several weeks ago, many Republicans -- including NRSC Chair John Cornyn -- thought Republicans wouldn't be able to retake the Senate. Today, it's a distinct possibility. There are a number of critical races, but you should really keep an eye on these 10.

Bush Tax Cuts

Vitter: 'Virtually Everybody' Would Get Hit If Tax Cuts For The Rich Expire (VIDEO)

Brian Beutler | September 9, 2010, 2:00PM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) and Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA)

At a public forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce in Crowley, Louisiana yesterday, Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) attacked his Democratic opponent Charlie Melancon for saying people in the top income bracket should pay higher taxes. But in doing so he implied that "virtually everybody" in attendance would see their taxes raised.

"I hate to tell you, by Washington's definitions that [Melancon]'s using, virtually everybody in this audience is the wealthy."

Though the event was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, it was open to all residents. According to the U.S. Census bureau, the average household income in Louisiana was $43,635 in 2008.

David Vitter

Underdog Challenges Vitter To Mixed Martial Arts Steel Cage Match

Brian Beutler | September 8, 2010, 6:21PM

Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

Mike Spears, a real dark horse independent candidate for Louisiana Senate has come up with a great stunt for getting ~~vot~~bloggers' attention: Challenge David Vitter to a Ultimate Fighting Championship-style steel cage free for all.

The Daily Advertiser reports:

Spears issued the challenge at a press conference to announce USA-MMAS "Return of the Champions" on Oct. 16 at the Cajundome.
Citing the 2007 scandal in which Vitter was linked to a Washington D.C. prostitution ring, Spears billed the bout as a modern day duel.

"Sen. Vitter's behavior - his admission to breaking the law in 2007 - has insulted the honor of Louisiana and the Louisiana Senate seat," Spears said.

"I'm in this race, and this fight, to restore the honor of Louisiana and of the nation as well."

David Vitter

Jindal Won't Endorse Vitter -- But He's Endorsed Louisiana Republicans In The Past

Brian Beutler | September 7, 2010, 10:29AM

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal

Louisiana's Republican governor, Bobby Jindal, isn't planning on endorsing Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) in his Senate race against Democrat Charlie Melancon.

"Voters can make up their own minds," Jindal said late last week, according to The Advocate.

LA-SEN

LA-Dems Raise Funds To Air Vitter Prostitute Ad

Brian Beutler | September 7, 2010, 10:00AM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

In a bid to raise awareness of David Vitter's ethical scandals, Louisiana Democrats are raising money to run a TV ad recreating an encounter Vitter had with a prostitute.

"We need to get Forgotten Crimes on television in Louisiana," reads a fundraising letter the LA-Dems sent to supporters this morning. "A recent independent poll found that an astonishing number of likely voters in Louisiana are unaware that David Vitter admitted breaking the law but was never held accountable."

David Vitter

WATCH: Dems Recreate Vitter-Prostitute Encounter In New Web Video

Brian Beutler | September 2, 2010, 11:48AM

Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

The Louisiana Democratic party has produced an extremely potent video recapping, and even re-enacting, the full history of David Vitter's prostitution scandals. Though the segment is web-only, it's easily the farthest the party has gone to highlight the indiscretions -- a task they usually leave to surrogates, but which they view as the key to unseating him.

The five minute, 32 second documentary-style video includes testimonials from what the Louisiana Democrats describe as real Louisianans who've lost faith in Vitter for using his office to get away with criminal activity. That's the broad point the segment makes.

But more than that, it's a vehicle for reminding viewers of the scandals -- it includes audio testimony of the DC Madam, and a re-enactment of the "crime scene."

David Vitter

Vitter Camp Receives Donation From Deceased Woman

Brian Beutler | September 1, 2010, 12:15PM

Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

David Vitter recently received a campaign donations from a woman who passed away in December, 2009, FEC documents reveal.

According to a notice of contributions Vitter filed on August 17, he received an August 16 donation of $1000 from Anna Gumpertz of Toluca Lake, CA -- a regular contributor to Republican candidates and causes. The only problem is, Gumpertz died of a heart attack last year.

Vitter's campaign was not immediately available for comment.

LA-SEN

Melancon Challenges Vitter To Series Of Unscripted Town Hall-Style Debates

Brian Beutler | August 31, 2010, 1:16PM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) and Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA)

Louisiana Senate hopeful Charlie Melancon has challenged David Vitter (R) to a series of debates today, in an effort to make him account publicly for recent scandals, TPM has learned.

Melancon issued the challenge this afternoon in letters to Vitter, and other qualified candidates, and will argue that all major candidates agreed to five debates in 2004, when Vitter first won his Senate seat.

As part of the challenge, Melancon is asking that the debates be town hall-style, without podiums, pre-screened questions, pre-selected questioners. Vitter has been avoiding reporters for most of campaign season, and has confined himself for the most part to events with pre-screened questions.

LA-SEN

Vitter Easily Trounces GOP Primary Challenger

Eric Kleefeld | August 28, 2010, 9:58PM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), the family values conservative who became embroiled in a prostitution scandal in 2007, has just won his Republican primary tonight, easily fending off a late challenge from former state Supreme Court Justice Chet Traylor.

With 23% of precincts reporting, Vitter leads Traylor by a margin of 88%-8%, and has been projected as the winner by the Associated Press.

Traylor had called upon Republican voters to "man up" and ditch Vitter, citing such reasons as the prostitution scandal and his having kept an aide on his staff who allegedly attacked his girlfriend with a knife. But no such luck for Traylor.

Vitter now proceeds to the general election against Democratic Rep. Charlie Melancon. The TPM Poll Average shows Vitter leading Melancon by 46.6%-34.0%.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)
Topics: 2010 elections, Chet Traylor, David Vitter, LA-SEN, Senate '10

David Vitter

Vitter Attorneys Pressured Louisiana Newspapers To Soften Coverage Of His Violent Aide

Brian Beutler | August 27, 2010, 8:00AM

Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

Has David Vitter been pressuring newspapers in Louisiana to take it easy on Brent Furer, a former aide who attacked his girlfriend with a knife, but got to keep his job for two years anyhow?

According to two editors in Louisiana, the answer is yes.

"Senator Vitter's attorney sent us a letter taking issue with the way we worded one particular sentence...about Mr. Furer's difficulty," says Carl Redman, executive editor of The Advocate.

LA-SEN

Traylor 'Lied To,' Vitter Cruising To Primary Win This Weekend

Brian Beutler | August 26, 2010, 1:08PM

Senate candidate Chet Traylor (R-LA) and Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) was always expected to win the Republican Senate nomination last year. But even political veterans in the pelican state turned their heads when, at the last minute, Vitter got a primary challenger from a well-connected Republican, former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Chet Traylor.

But Traylor's campaign never materialized. Worse, he's being trounced in polls leading into Saturday's primary. And according to at least one Louisiana insider, it's because his own allies abandoned him.

LA-04

LA GOPer: November A Choice Between An Atheist Society And A Christian Nation

Brian Beutler | August 25, 2010, 6:21PM

Rep. John Fleming (R-LA)

Appearing before the Republican Women of Bossier with Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) cast the November elections as a choice between godlessness and Christianity. He also called bipartisanship impossible.

"We have two competing world views here and there is no way that we can reach across the aisle -- one is going to have to win," Fleming said.

We are either going to go down the socialist road and become like western Europe and create, I guess really a godless society, an atheist society. Or we're going to continue down the other pathway where we believe in freedom of speech, individual liberties and that we remain a Christian nation. So we're going to have to win that battle, we're going to have to solve that argument before we can once again reach across and work together on things.

Fleming contended that the Republicans might take 60 seats in November, and argued that the road to economic recovery is to rescind new banking regulations and make the Bush tax cuts permanent across the board. "We've got to change the way we do things," he said. "We need to restore the Bush tax cuts, or actually make them permanent. We need to cut the capital gains tax, we need to take regulations off the backs of business and allow banks to once again lend. And I got a strong feeling that our economy will snap back very quickly."

PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (4)
Topics: David Vitter, John Fleming, LA-04, LA-SEN

LA-SEN

Poll: Vitter Leads Melancon By 10

Brian Beutler | August 25, 2010, 8:43AM

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) and Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA)

New Louisiana polling data to be released later today shows David Vitter maintaining a double digit lead over his likely rival, Rep. Charlie Melancon, and benefiting from the fact that the electorate there remains largely in the dark about his scandals.

Public Policy Polling surveyed 403 likely voters from August 21-22 and found that, in a two way race, 41 percent now say they'd vote for Melancon, 51 would choose Vitter, and 8 percent remain undecided. The latest TPM PollTracker average gives Vitter a nearly 13 point margin over Melancon. In June, PPP found Vitter ahead 46-37. As of now there are multiple third party candidates in the race. The winner must receive a plurality of the votes.

LA-SEN

Traylor Radio Ad Calls On Republicans To 'Man Up' And Reject Vitter (AUDIO)

Brian Beutler | August 18, 2010, 2:29PM

Senate candidate Chet Traylor (R-LA) and Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

A source sent over the audio of a brutal ad running on Louisiana radio. The one-minute segment, paid for by Republican Senate hopeful Chet Traylor, calls on voters to "man up" and oppose David Vitter, citing his long record of public scandals over the years.

"Why is Congress so corrupt? David Vitter, he's part of the corruption," the ad's narrator says.

Now it's time to man up. A judge found Vitter committed battery on a woman. It was an unprovoked attack. Next, Vitter's notorious scandal with the DC Madam. She ran an escort service for powerful men in Washington, if you know what I mean. Then a former prostitute said she, well, serviced Vitter on numerous occasions in New Orleans. That's family values, right? Now, Vitter's Senate aide for women affairs holds his girlfriend hostage while slashing her face with a knife. Vitter didn't fire the aide. Vitter gave him two more years on his public payroll. Some conservative, huh? Hey Vitter. What's next? Republicans, it's time to man up for change.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)
Topics: Chet Traylor, David Vitter, LA-SEN

LA-03

Louisiana Republicans Agree: Scrap Birthright Citizenship, 17th Amendment

Brian Beutler | August 18, 2010, 1:35PM

Tea Party activists in Washington, D.C.

At a Tea Party-sponsored debate in Louisiana last night, two House Republican hopefuls found a great deal of common ground. According to the Advocate, both support repealing the section of the 14th amendment that establishes birthright citizenship. Both would repeal the 17th amendment, which allows for direct election of U.S. Senators. Both would like to cut, and limit access to, Medicare and Social Security, and let charity organizations fill the gaps.

The two candidates -- Jeff Landry and Kristian Magar -- are vying to replace House Democrat Charlie Melancon of Louisiana's third district. They have third opponent as well: one-time Democrat, and former Louisiana House Speaker Hunt Downer, who didn't attend the debate. Downer is well liked, with broader appeal than his conservative rivals, but a recent change to Louisiana election law means that only registered Republicans can vote in the primary. And in Louisiana -- and the third district -- that's a minority of deeply conservative voters.

LA-SEN

Vitter Struggles In Primary Campaign -- If Voters Know About His Scandals

Brian Beutler | August 17, 2010, 2:30PM

Senate candidate Chet Traylor (R-LA) and Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

A new poll out of Louisiana finds that David Vitter could be forced into a runoff against his main primary rival, former state Supreme Court Justice Chet Traylor, if voters are kept aware of Vitter's scandalous past.

The survey, conducted by the Market Research Institute, finds Vitter leading the pack of Republican hopefuls with 46 percent support, followed by Traylor with 34 percent, and 21 percent undecided. Vitter would have to secure more than 51 percent of the votes in the August 28 primary to avoid a runoff.

The poll was conducted on behalf of Traylor's campaign and the results reflect voter opinion after being reminded of Vitter's connection to the D.C. madam prostitution scandal. Vitter, according to the poll, has similar numbers when voters are informed that Vitter employed aide Brent Furer for roughly two years after Furer was arrested for violently assaulting his girlfriend.

Charlie Melancon

Melancon's New 'Serious Sins' Ad Asks Voters To Consider 'David Vitter On Women' (VIDEO)

Megan Carpentier | August 13, 2010, 10:09AM

The Louisiana ad war between Rep. Charlie Melancon (D) and Sen. David Vitter (R) continues today with a new volley from Melancon -- and it's a doozy. Earlier this week, Melancon accused Vitter of not being "honest" with Louisiana; Vitter responded with an ad linking Melancon to "millionaires [and] illegals." So Melancon broke out the big guns, and linked Vitter's prostitution scandal, his abusive staff member and his legislative record in a new ad.

David Vitter

Vitter Goes Negative In New Ad: 'Millionaires, Illegals And Charlie Melancon' (VIDEO)

Megan Carpentier | August 12, 2010, 6:55PM

Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) responded to Rep.Charlie Melancon's (D-LA) television advertisement with one of his own today, hitting back hard at Melancon's allegations that Vitter "hasn't been honest" with Louisiana. Unlike Melancon, though, Vitter relied on a scary voice-over to attack his opponent.

Charlie Melancon

Melancon's First TV Ad: 'David Vitter Hasn't Been Honest With Louisiana' (VIDEO)

Megan Carpentier | August 11, 2010, 10:21AM

Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA) spent $115,000 on his first television advertising buy in his effort to unseat incumbent Sen. David Vitter (R). In the advertisement, Melancon touts his own conservative credentials, but pulls no punches when it comes to Vitter.

LA-SEN

Traylor: Reporters Know Better Than Me What The Next Vitter Scandal Is (VIDEO)

Megan Carpentier | August 10, 2010, 8:50AM

Judge Chet Traylor appearing on the Washington Post/ABC News program "Top Line."

Chet Traylor, the Republican primary challenger to Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), appeared on the Washington Post/ABC News program "Top Line" yesterday in his first-ever television interview in support of his nascent campaign. And although the hosts tried hard to get him to tell them what the rumored newest scandal Vitter might face, Traylor was having none of it.

"Rick, the only thing I can tell is what the people have been telling me: that they want a viable alternative to vote for in this upcoming primary," he said. He added, "You guys are the ones who have been reporting the problems, and I'm sure that you all are keeping up with that a whole lot closer than I am."

PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)
Topics: Chet Traylor, David Vitter, LA-SEN

David Vitter

Vitter Accuses Primary Opponent Of Being Secret Democrat

Brian Beutler | August 6, 2010, 3:02PM

Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

Well, that didn't take long.

With the news out that David Vitter's primary challenger, former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Chet Traylor, is ready to rumble, Vitter's taking a preemptive swing...by trying to convince voters that Traylor is secretly a Democrat.

"Nearly a week ago, my so-called Republican opponent was spotted meeting with two former Democrat elected officials and current trial lawyers in North Louisiana," reads an email Vitter sent to supporters.

LA-SEN

Vitter Challenger (Finally) Gathers A War Chest

Brian Beutler | August 6, 2010, 1:55PM

Senate candidate Chet Traylor (R-LA) and Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

Louisiana Senate hopeful Chet Traylor is finally ready to start taking a few swings at incumbent David Vitter, just ahead of their August 28 primary.

Traylor, according to his campaign chief Roy Fletcher, will have at least $500,000 on hand by Sunday, when the current fundraising period ends.

But that leaves him precious little time to close an enormous gap in the polls. Traylor, a business-connected conservative and former Louisiana Supreme Court justice, entered the primary at the last possible moment, prompting speculation that Vitter may have a fight on his hands.

David Vitter

Vitter Explains What It Does Take To Get Fired From His Office (VIDEO)

Brian Beutler | August 2, 2010, 11:40AM

Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

You can't get away with everything in Sen. David Vitter's (R-LA) office.

Conservatives have been frothing over a memo, written by staffers at the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, outlining an approach to immigration reform. Appearing today on Fox News, Vitter joined in to pile on.

"This approach is completely out of bounds," Vitter said. "The fact that it's being discussed within the Administration should concern everybody. If somebody on my staff was developing that sort of approach for legislation, they'd be fired."

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