While a Democratic governor resigned shortly after his connections to a prostitution ring is revealed, Washington Post headlines trumpet: Panel Clears La. Senator In Call-Girl Complaint
Almost makes it sound as if the Senator didn't really do it, since, after all, he was CLEARED apparently, after a call-girl complained. It takes a special talent to write such headlines.
What we knew all the long: It's okay if a republican does it.
Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) was cleared yesterday of any ethical misconduct for his association with prostitutes from the escort service run by the late Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the so-called "D.C. Madam" who was convicted of running a call-girl ring.
The Senate ethics committee dismissed a complaint against Vitter "without prejudice," meaning he received no formal punishment or reprimand.
... Palfrey killed herself last week rather than serve time in prison.
In its ruling, the panel said it could not punish Vitter because his association with the escort service occurred before he joined the Senate in 2005.
"The conduct at issue occurred before your Senate candidacy and service . . . the conduct at issue did not result in your being charged criminally . . . the conduct at issue did not involve use of public office or status for improper purposes," the committee wrote in a letter signed by all six senators.
Elected to the House in 1999, Vitter cannot be investigated by its ethics committee because it has no jurisdiction now that he is a senator.
Although the conduct occurred while he was a member of the House of Representatives. Does this mean that if he runs again for the House and gets elected there, the the ethics committed WOULD have jurisdiction?
Sounds like oly-oly-ox-in-free - to me.
