Senator Vitter - Sins of the Past, Repercussions in the Present

By now even people in China know about U.S. Sen. David Vitter's (R-La.) admission to doing business with D.C. Madam Deborah Jeane Palfrey.

Vitter's number showed up in Palfrey's phone records, which were posted to the Internet in advance of other possible reports. Palfrey's lawyer said the information had possibly been pirated, and the prostitution-ring leader wanted to offer the truth.

Public corrpution blog TPMmuckraker.com says that Hustler magazine and publisher Larry Flynt's investigation into the matter prompted Vitter's confession and apology to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, CBS news is praising Internet blogs for calling Vitter, a "family values Republican," to task for his "criminal" actions. Mainstream news outlets, they say, are downplaying the story and steering clear of commentary.

Also, BayouBuzz wonders if this newest scandal could have an effect on Bobby Jindal's bid for Louisiana governor. Jindal is in many ways Vitter's protege, the blog says.

And then there's the link between Vitter and Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani. (Vitter is the Giuliani campaign's regional campaign chairman for the South.)

Does a man who once said the issue of gay marriage was more important than any other, have any credibility when it comes to supporting any law that would preserve the "sanctity" of marriage?

Should Vitter suffer any political repercussions for his illegal actions?

Should he resign?