Louisiana has been promised “a new day.”Gov. Bobby Jindal, Sen. Mary Landrieu and Mayor Kip Holden are all popular officials attempting great things for the state.And then there’s Sen. David Vitter.Recently, Vitter was one of two senators who voted against the confirmation of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — and the only senator to vote against her twice. This vote is, presumably, indicative of Vitter’s convictions, and for that, he is to be applauded.But, he seems to believe “compromise” is a dirty word indicating an innate weakness and lack of resolve. Perhaps he should reevaluate his definition of compromise and view it as a sign of humility.Former Sen. Russell Long epitomized the effective senator. Following the news of Long’s death, his successor Sen. John Breaux, said, “[I]t was his kind manner and his quiet charisma that endeared so many people to him.”Long knew how to accomplish things for the state he represented. He was so committed to governing effectively he gave up what was a cherished family heirloom.The desk Huey Long used during his short, tumultuous senatorial career was first the desk of John C. Calhoun of South Carolina.Senators from both states coveted the desk.Long eventually acquired it only to give it up again to former Sen. Olin Johnston when he ran for majority whip of the Senate in order to assure South Carolina’s vote. He understood business in Washington is accomplished by compromise — not grandstanding.When Breaux won Long’s seat after the latter’s retirement, he wanted the desk, but was unable to appropriate it because Fritz Hollings was using it.”Breaux wanted that desk not only because of his respect for Senate tradition, but also out of admiration for those who served honorably before him,” wrote Russell Long Mosely, the grandson of Russell Long, in an letter published in The Advocate on December 3, 2004.The desk is relevant because it was offered to Vitter.The gift was an indication to Vitter the Senate was ready to welcome him into what mass communication professor Robert Mann called “the club.” It was a sign of acceptance Vitter rejected.Not only did he reject the desk, he insulted the memory of one of this state’s most influential leaders.Long’s effectiveness allowed him to accomplish things regardless of who occupied the White House. During his nearly four decade-long career in the Senate, he was praised by Republicans and Democrats alike.Sen. Russell Long was a political heavyweight.Vitter tries to position himself as the moral crusader who defends the cause of what is good, right and virtuous. Some of his supporters see him as a moral lighthouse.There is good reason for this. His vote against the Paulson-Bush plan should be regarded as a vote for what is sensible and necessary. He deserves credit for his clarity on the issue.But his detractors believe instead of a lighthouse, Vitter is a lightweight.Instead working with others who may disagree with him, Vitter sees it as his job to take every opportunity to grab the spotlight. “There are two categories of Senators — work horses and show horses. The show horses don’t get a lot of respect,” Mann said.Long was a consummate work horse. He did whatever he could to benefit Louisiana and the country.He was not perfect but understood his imperfection was not peculiar to this situation and didn’t hold others to an unattainable standard of perfection. He was humble enough to respect his colleagues.Vitter has yet to learn this admirable trait. He should know by now moral indignation and fiery speeches are no substitute for substantive action.Vitter was sent to Washington to get things done. His inability to reach an accommodation that satisfied 94 other senators shows his interest in demanding perfection that he lacks in his own life.Voting against Clinton does nothing for Louisiana or the nation because he had no proof. Vitter’s position would force the nominee to overcome the presumption of guilt.Actions speak louder than words.One of the greatest acts carried out by a Louisiana politician was the final act of Robert Livingston. On the eve of his ascension to Speaker of the House, it became apparent a scandal was about to break. In response to this, Livingston simply resigned instead of dragging his family, state and country through an embarrassing investigation.That’s the sort of thing done by people who ultimately choose to live by the morals they espouse.—-Contact Drew Walker at [email protected]