CREW: Did Republicans’ take different approach to Vitter and Craig ethics complaints because of gay sex factor in Craig's case?
Earlier today, CREW asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate Senator Larry Craig (R-ID). Last month, we also asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate Senator David Vitter following revelations that he had engaged the services of a prostitute. The GOP leadership in the Senate joined our call for an ethics investigation of Craig, yet have been silent on Vitter. Melanie Sloan issued this statement today suggesting the possible reason:
While I am pleased that Senate Republicans are joining CREW’s call for an investigation into Senator Craig’s conduct, their failure to ask for an ethics investigation of the similarly outrageous conduct by Sen. David Vitter is puzzling. While Sen. Craig pleaded guilty to a crime involving soliciting sex, but is now denying his guilt, Sen. Vitter has not been charged but has admitted to the crime of soliciting for prostitution. Thus, both men have admitted to committing misdemeanor crimes that reflect poorly upon the Senate and both should be treated equally. The only possible interpretation of the Republicans’ differing reaction to the two cases is that Sen. Craig’s case involves gay sex. Apparently soliciting for heterosexual sex does not offend the “family values” platform in the way that soliciting for gay sex does. (emphasis added)
What's wrong with prostitution?
Sexual behavior between consulting adults should not be a crime. If the sexual behavior is commercial the State should have a right to insure that taxes are paid and that OSHA rules be established and followed.
Your implication that visiting a prostitute is morally objectionable or reflects poorly on the Senate is nothing more than a judgment based upon intolerance for human sexuality.
However, I abhor hypocrisy, and both Vitter and Craig should be castigated for their dishonesty.
Hugh Loebner, Ph.D.
Vitter vs Craig
It's most likely because Craig's resignation will leave a Republican in his seat whereas a resignation by Vitter will leave that seat in Democratic hands.
File an ethics complaint against the GOP leadership then!
Releasing one little press statement and then joining forces to crucify Craig in a discriminatory ethics investigation does not immunize CREW from a charge of antigay bias.
Indeed, at least Craig's behavior can be explained by his obvious status as a self-loathing closeted gay man. Vitter, on the other hand, has absolutely no excuse for his commercial dalliances with prostitutes.
At any rate, I couldn't care less about either man's insignificant sex-related misdemeanors. The real scandal in Craig's case isn't the solicitation but his attempt to abuse his power as a Senator to evade charges.
Investigations, Charges, and Guilty Findings
I wouldn't argue with the assertion that "both men have admitted to committing misdemeanor crimes" (although I'm not sure Sen. Vitter would agree), but it's a rather stark difference I think, between being charged with a crime, and not being charged; and the difference becomes even greater, when you consider that the one charged with a crime entered a guilty plea, but the one not charged, was not (to my knowledge) ever even investigated by law enforcement authorities.
I'm not defending Sen. Vitter, I'm simply pointing out the nearly black and white difference, between the two situations; and again, I don't recollect Sen. Vitter ever explicitly "admitting to committing a misdemeanor crime".
Maybe I missed that; but even still, that does not erase the rather stark difference between being charged with a crime, and not; and again, that diffence is made even greater, by the guilty finding.
Pathetic attempt at explaining away bigotry
Vitter announced to the world that he had sinned and had sought--and received--God's forgiveness, remember? Stripped of the religious garb, that was an admission of crime. The only difference here is Craig's misdemeanor involved homosexuality, while Vitter's involved heterosexuality. The GOP leadership is chock full of antigay bigots, proven once again in this episode.
It remains to be determined
It remains to be determined if Vitter has been blackmailed into supporting corrupt legislation to the detriment of the nation. This is why Vitter should be investigated- because of weighty national affairs, not some petty immorality or “sin”, as Vitter has put it. There is the New Orleans brothel that he frequented and the statement of Wendy Cortez, Vitter's preferred hooker, the testimony of two madames, and there is the fact that Vitter has publicly confessed.
This issue of being vulnerable to blackmail is most important because the leading Democratic candidate is Hillary Clinton whose husband is Bill Clinton. Who has forgotten that?
Investigate.
Not the only possible interpretation
Getting rid of Craig would lead to another Republican Senator, and if he stays it might result in a Democratic replacement. Getting rid of Vitter would lead to a Democratic Senator.
Republicans should investigate Vitter
who is a "prostitute junkie" and cannot stay away from brothels. This makes Senator Vitter a target for blackmailers and a security risk for this country.
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It is not the "why" - is is the "where"
Here's the thing - Craig was crusing a public restroom in a public place. Children go into these places for God sake. There are a lot of single mothers who cannot accompany their sons into these restrooms. Vitter on the other hand may have used the offerings of a madam. But they were discreet, out of the public view. There is a HUGE difference.
Think about it. Another another member of congress was caught in a public restroom in a park. A PARK! Kids are playing basketball, stop to relieve themselves and....oooops.
These guys who cruise are looking for the excitement that a "behind closed doors" session will not provide. The are willing to take that chance and ruin their whole lives because the "excitement" of possibly getting caught enhances the experience. What if one of those cute teenage basketball playing park kids becomes the next "tier" in the excitement?
Think about that one.