NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Democratic Rep. Charlie Melancon, a self-styled centrist “Blue Dog” Democrat, said Thursday that he will run for Senate next year against incumbent David Vitter, the conservative Republican whose family-values image took a hit in a 2007 prostitution scandal. Melancon’s announcement had been anticipated. Vitter’s campaign has been attacking him in Internet ads and videos as a liberal ally of President Obama. Touting himself as an anti-abortion, pro-gun businessman, Melancon didn’t mention the prostitution scandal in his announcement but said “Louisiana deserves better” than Vitter. “Louisiana needs a different approach. More bipartisan. More disciplined. More honest and with a whole lot more commonsense,” he said. “I welcome Charlie to the race and look forward to an important, spirited debate,” Vitter said in a prepared statement.- – – -Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
Melancon says he’ll challenge Vitter in 2010 Senate election
August 26, 2009