David Vitter wants to use his campaign funds to pay his legal fees:
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. David Vitter will ask the Federal Election Commission today whether he can use campaign funds to pay for the $137,177 in legal fees he incurred from his involvement in the case of a woman convicted of running a high-priced Washington prostitution ring.
The Louisiana Republican acknowledged in July 2007 that his phone number appeared on the client list of the woman dubbed “the D.C. Madam.” Deborah Jeane Palfrey was convicted in federal court in April of money laundering, mail fraud and conspiracy.
In a letter to the FEC, an attorney for Vitter says his client incurred the legal expenses in monitoring the Palfrey trial and quashing the subpoenas issued to him.
Vitter also had to hire attorneys to defend himself to the Senate Ethics Committee because of a complaint filed by the government watchdog group Citizens For Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. The complaint was dismissed by the committee, which noted that Vitter was not charged with a crime and the incidents occurred when he was a House member.
Tears are running from my eyes as I read of our senator's plight. A heartbreaking story, no? I hurt for him having to pay out all that money. OK, so his phone number was on the DC Madam's list, but should the consequences for him be so harsh?
Those of you who sent Vitter money for his campaign, what do you think? Is this how you want your money spent? Let him know your thoughts on this matter.
Poor David, bless his heart. The governor has already held one fundraiser for Vitter's 2010 run, perhaps he can help him out.
ReplyDeleteHow do we rate two such exemplary politicians. Jim?
ReplyDelete