FROM STAFF REPORTS

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Charles Melancon announced on Thursday that he will challenge U.S. Senator David Vitter for his senate seat.

“Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate to replace David Vitter because Louisiana deserves better,” Melancon said in a Youtube video. “Louisiana needs a different approach: more bi-partisan, more disciplined, more honest and with a whole lot more common sense.”

Melancon is a three-term Democratic congressman from Napoleonville. Vitter, a Republican, was elected in 2004 to represent Louisiana in the U.S. Senate.

In 2007, Vitter admitted to a “a very serious sin” after he was identified as a client of a prostitution ring ran by Deborah Jeane Palfrey, also known as the “D.C. Madame.” However, a Public Policy Polling survey conducted last month indicates that Vitter is ahead of  Melancon by 12 points, 44 to 32 percent.

In his video statement, Melancon said, “no matter if you are in Mamou or Monroe, it’s not whether it’s a Republican idea or a Democratic idea– the only question is: does it make sense for Louisiana?”