More on reaction to Spitzer

Two words: David Vitter. The (Republican) Louisiana Senator faced the same charges as Spitzer and there was no call for his resignation. Interesting double standard applying here . . .

http://www.nola.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-37/12052604754620.xml

3/11/2008
Associated Press
Spitzer, Vitter spark different reactions to scandal accusations
By MARY FOSTER

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The scene was all too reminiscent of one that took place in Louisiana last year: powerful politician, stony-faced wife and the confession of a fall from the lofty principles so long professed.

One was Democratic New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer the other was Sen. David Vitter, R.-La., and both were linked to prostitution.

Vitter, 46, a first-term senator and former U.S. House member, admitted in July to a "very serious sin" after his phone number was one of those on the client list of Deborah Jeane Palfrey, who federal prosecutors said ran a prostitution operation.

Both Vitter and Spitzer — neither of whom has been charged with a crime — were moral-high-ground crusaders: Vitter touted family values and opposed gay marriage, Spitzer was a corruption-fighter once known as "Mr. Clean."

But while demands for Spitzer's resignation almost immediately surfaced, Vitter has survived, dropping out of sight for a week after his statement, then keeping a low profile for months.

The difference in reaction springs from a couple of things, Democratic strategist James Carville said Tuesday. Spitzer's situation was revealed by an active investigation while Vitter confessed after reportedly being contacted by publisher Larry Flynt's magazine about the phone records.

"And they're in very different situations," Carville said. "Spitzer is a former prosecutor and is governor of New York. He has powerful enemies. Vitter is Louisiana's junior senator and nobody really knows him or cares that much about him."