Oh boy! A juicy sex scandal

Pro-Family Republican Senator Likes Prostitutes

Add Louisiana Senator David Vitter to the Ted Haggard Social Conservative Hypocrisy Hall of Fame. The Louisiana Senator who has been one of the most Conservative members of Congress and a strong advocate of a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage has been outed as a customer of the now infamous "DC Madame" who allegedly ran a high-class prostitution company in Washington DC. It appears that he was outed by Larry Flynt of Hustler fame, who a few months set out to expose hypocritical lawmakers (particularly of the Republican variety) in DC. It's another strong blow for the social Conservative movement, as another one of its prominent voices has apparently had trouble practicing what he preaches. Since the news came out on Monday night, Vitter has been nowhere to be seen. Not that I feel all that bad about him. This is a man who has achieved political success by painting himself as a protector of traditional marriage is not only cheating on his wife, he's doing it with HOOKERS! Excuse me--- escorts.
It also is further evidence for the destructive impact of the social Conservative message has in its adherents lives. It is sexually repressive, and by denying its adherents one iota of sexual freedom it leads to pent up sexual aggression being let out in inappropriate manners. See: Ted Haggard and his meth fueled sex with a male hooker, Congressman Mark Foley's explicit internet exchanges with teenage boys or Bill O'Reilly's sexual harassment of a female co-worker for starters. The movement must stop demonizing the free expression of human sexuality, or more of its followers will follow the path of Vitter.
As for the political implications of this scandal, there are many. Interestingly enough, it would seem that the man at the center of the scandal, Senator Vitter himself will probably suffer the least. Sure he'll be embarrassed for a good long time, and probably be known as Senator Hooker Lover for the foreseeable future, I don't see his political career as being imperiled. He certainly won't resign from his seat because this would allow the Democratic governor of Louisiana to appoint a Democratic successor (thus making Joe Lieberman the biggest loser from this scandal when you think about it). His next election is not until 2010 by which time I would expect this incident to be long forgotten. Therefore, I think Vitter is safe. The two who are most hurt by this revelation are the Republican Party and Rudy Giuliani. The social Conservative movement will view Vitter as another example of a Republican leader betraying the principals of the cause. It may further weaken the movements loyalty to the GOP. They won't start voting for Democrats, but they may stop voting period.
Lastly, Rudy Giuliani is hurt by the revelation because Vitter was one of his biggest supporters and the Southern chair for his campaign. This incident further solidifies Giuliani's reputation for surrounding himself with ethically questionable characters like Thomas Ravanele, his South Carolina chair who was recently arrested on cocaine charges and Bernie Kerik who is too crooked for me to know where to start. However, in Rudy's defense, he really had no way of knowing that two of most prominent supporters enjoyed prostitutes and cocaine. Yet, he is damaged by mere association.
This story is probably not even close to done, and personally I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts. I can't help but wonder what other numbers are on the DC Madame's list. Should be interesting...