KENNER, La. — Though he expects more public backlash in his next month of campaigning, U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., said popularity isn’t his top priority for the Nov. 21 runoff.
“I’m not going back to Baton Rouge to be popular,” Vitter said. “I’m going to make a difference.”
A checkered past and recent scandals didn’t stop Vitter on Saturday when he slid to the gubernatorial runoff election against Democratic state Rep. John Bel Edwards, narrowly claiming
second place over Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle.
Following allegations of espionage less than 24 hours before polls opened, Vitter clung to his name recognition and substantial financial backing for the Oct. 24 election.
The New Orleans Advocate reported Friday evening that Vitter allegedly hired a private investigator to spy on Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand.
In his speech to election party guests at the Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel in Kenner, Louisiana, Vitter thanked Republican challengers Scott Angelle and Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne for their “competitive spirit,” but had a different attitude toward his runoff contender.
“Voting for Edwards would be the same as voting for Barack Obama,” he said.
Vitter claimed 23 percent of the vote, trailing behind Edwards’ 40 percent. The senator’s presence was strongest in red parishes like St. Tammany and Jefferson.
He said he would cater to his conservative constituents by cutting back on state-funded cars, which cost the state $232 million. He added that Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration failed holding to Republican values.
“Your conservative Louisiana principles haven’t failed us — politicians have,” Vitter said to a crowd of roughly 100 supporters.
Despite recent negative press, including videos on a New Orleans blog alleging Vitter fathered an illegitimate child with a prostitute, his staff remains optimistic about his odds in the runoff.
Vitter campaign spokesperson Luke Bolar said the story was “blown out of proportion,” and Vitter is still the most qualified candidate for the governor’s office.
“He is far and away the best leader of all the candidates,” Bolar said. “Not just because he has a whole detailed plan but because of his accomplishments previously in the statehouse.”
Political science sophomore Michael Dalman and biology sophomore Alix Perry both worked with the campaign for the past two months. Dalman said morale had been overwhelmingly positive, with an upbeat work environment.
Dalman said last night’s breaking allegations did not have any affect on the overall spirit of Vitter’s campaign, and he does not think it will cripple the senator’s chances.
Perry added Vitter’s campaign did not personally hire the private investigator.
“Nothing illegal was done, so I don’t think it’ll be as big a deal as we might have anticipated,” Dalman said.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Haskell Whittington

Front runner and U.S. Senator David Vitter making his speech on Saturday Oct. 24, 2015, at The Hilton on Airline Drive in Kenner, LA.