Ethics Panel Says It Has No Jurisdiction In Vitter Complaint

Fri. May 9, 2008


The Senate Ethics Committee dismissed a complaint against Sen. David Vitter, R-La., for his alleged involvement in a prostitution case, but criticized his behavior.

In a letter released Thursday, the committee said it did not have jurisdiction over the matter because the allegations cover a period when he was not in the Senate, no criminal charges were filed against him and he didn't use public office to enable the activity.

After Vitter's name surfaced in the case involving Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the so-called D.C. Madam, he issued a statement acknowledging "a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible."

Palfrey killed herself last week. She was found guilty of charges stemming from the case and was expected to serve jail time.

The Ethics Committee noted that not taking action against Vitter did not mean they found his behavior acceptable.

"In fact, if proven to be true, the Members of the Committee would find the alleged conduct of solicitation for prostitution to be reprehensible," the letter states. Members noted they could reopen their investigation if new allegations come to light.

The complaint was filed by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. In a statement, the group complained that "Vitter has not been held accountable for his activities. He walks away without even a slap on the wrist."

Vitter's spokesman did not respond to messages by presstime.

by Ben Schneider