Sen. David Vitter’s, R-La., ghosts lurked at Tuesday’s debate, even though Halloween has come and gone.
The runoff election should be a referendum on President Barack Obama, if Vitter got his way. But the narrative is spiraling out of control and turning out to be the senator’s scandals.
Instead of controlling the message, Vitter is on the defensive involving questions over his sex scandal after Rep. John Bel Edwards’, D-Amite, ad claimed Vitter put “prostitutes over patriots.” His latest ad, “Hard Times,” recently changed to “Difficult Times,” tries to recast his sex scandal as a story of redemption.
Before the first debate in the runoff for governor, Vitter’s campaign left more questions about his campaign involving ethics and personality, rather than policy.
Questions remain after “spygate,” where Vitter’s hired private investigator was caught spying on the Jefferson Parish sheriff and others having coffee at Royal Blend Coffee and Tea House in Metairie the day before the primary election.
The Jefferson Parish police arrested Robert Frenzel, Vitter’s private investigator, and found a recording showing an individual who was a potential witness to discredit former sex worker Wendy Ellis, who claimed she had a sexual relationship with Vitter.
Sheriff Newell Normand sheriff of Jefferson Parish, unveiled Vitter’s campaign manager is under FBI investigation for the scandal.
In Tuesday’s debate on Louisiana Public Broadcasting stations, Vitter tried to reframe the election as an ideological choice, calling the idea Edwards’ campaign was built upon the “myth that he is a conservative.”
Throughout Edwards called attention to Vitter’s scandals. According to The News Star of Monroe, he said, “Part of the code is not tolerating those who do (lie, cheat, steal),” Edwards said. “You’re a liar and a cheater.”
Vitter shot back, calling him “holier than thou.”
Even during the issue of workforce development segment, Edwards reused a line he first debuted at the Baton Rouge Press Club this week to explain his low ratings on the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry scorecard. “I don’t try to give 100 percent to anyone other than my wife,” he said.
Edwards brought notable blows throughout the night. “If that’s [prostitution ad] a low blow, that’s only because that’s where you live.”
Even his closing statement, Edwards said, “I will never embarrass you,” casting the election as a referendum on the candidate’s characters.
There were many important issues covered during the debate — health care, the budget, infrastructure and others. But if Vitter is elected, he may not only deal with these issues — he will also battle the FBI.
When policy questions became too specific for Vitter, he referred viewers to his many websites. Edwards gave voters specifics and encouraged viewers to watch Sheriff Normand’s press conference on Tuesday.
You could see Vitter checking his notes and sweating at the debate last night.
Can he escape his scandals and limp into the governor’s office? Or will his house of cards fall?
Sen. David Vitter’s, R-La., ghosts lurked at Tuesday’s debate, even though Halloween has come and gone.
The runoff election should be a referendum on President Barack Obama, if Vitter got his way. But the narrative is spiraling out of control and turning out to be the senator’s scandals.
Instead of controlling the message, Vitter is on the defensive involving questions over his sex scandal after Rep. John Bel Edwards’, D-Amite, ad claimed Vitter put “prostitutes over patriots.” His latest ad, “Hard Times,” recently changed to “Difficult Times,” tries to recast his sex scandal as a story of redemption.
Before the first debate in the runoff for governor, Vitter’s campaign left more questions about his campaign involving ethics and personality, rather than policy.
Questions remain after “spygate,” where Vitter’s hired private investigator was caught spying on the Jefferson Parish sheriff and others having coffee at Royal Blend Coffee and Tea House in Metairie the day before the primary election.
The Jefferson Parish police arrested Robert Frenzel, Vitter’s private investigator, and found a recording showing an individual who was a potential witness to discredit former sex worker Wendy Ellis, who claimed she had a sexual relationship with Vitter.
Sheriff Newell Normand sheriff of Jefferson Parish, unveiled Vitter’s campaign manager is under FBI investigation for the scandal.
In Tuesday’s debate on Louisiana Public Broadcasting stations, Vitter tried to reframe the election as an ideological choice, calling the idea Edwards’ campaign was built upon the “myth that he is a conservative.”
Throughout Edwards called attention to Vitter’s scandals. According to The News Star of Monroe, he said, “Part of the code is not tolerating those who do (lie, cheat, steal),” Edwards said. “You’re a liar and a cheater.”
Vitter shot back, calling him “holier than thou.”
Even during the issue of workforce development segment, Edwards reused a line he first debuted at the Baton Rouge Press Club this week to explain his low ratings on the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry scorecard. “I don’t try to give 100 percent to anyone other than my wife,” he said.
Edwards brought notable blows throughout the night. “If that’s [prostitution ad] a low blow, that’s only because that’s where you live.”
Even his closing statement, Edwards said, “I will never embarrass you,” casting the election as a referendum on the candidate’s characters.
There were many important issues covered during the debate — health care, the budget, infrastructure and others. But if Vitter is elected, he may not only deal with these issues — he will also battle the FBI.
When policy questions became too specific for Vitter, he referred viewers to his many websites. Edwards gave voters specifics and encouraged viewers to watch Sheriff Normand’s press conference on Tuesday.
You could see Vitter checking his notes and sweating at the debate last night.
Can he escape his scandals and limp into the governor’s office? Or will his house of cards fall?
Michael Beyer is a Political Science senior from New Orleans. You can reach him on Twitter @michbeyer.
Michael Beyer is a Political Science senior from New Orleans. You can reach him on Twitter @michbeyer.