Sen. Sinner

Rudy GOP pal in D.C. Madam's little black book

 Conservative Republican Sen. David Vitter admitted last night that his name is in "D.C. Madam" Deborah Jeane Palfrey's little black book and apologized for "a very serious sin in my past."  

The 46-year-old Louisiana politician, who is serving as southern regional chair of Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign, is the first big name to emerge from the Washington sex scandal.

"I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way," Vitter said in a statement.

Vitter, the married father of four children and a lector at his Catholic church, said he has already admitted his indiscretions to his wife.

"This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible," Vitter said. "Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling."

Vitter declined to reveal specifics of his association with Palfrey, who faces federal racketeering charges for running what she insists was a legitimate escort service.

"Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there - with God and them," Vitter said.

The senator's confession came just days after a federal judge sent tremors throughout the nation's capital, ruling Palfrey, 51, is free to release her client records if she chooses.

The so-called "D.C. Madam" has threatened to unveil up to 100 customers she claims risked national security, "violated the public trust" or were hypocritical purveyors of her company's prurient services.

Vitter - who last year led the call for a U.S. constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages - apparently sensed the writing in the black book and launched a preemptive strike.

He claimed the phone number in Palfrey's records was an old one he used before he was elected to the Senate in 2004. Prior to that, Vitter served in the House of Representatives from 1999. 

"I'm stunned that someone would be apologizing for this already," said Palfrey's attorney, Montgomery Blair Sibley.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/wn_report/2007/07/10/2007-07-10_sen_sinner.html

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