Senator On Witness List For Sex Case

The Associated Press ^ | 4/7/08 | Matt Apuzzo

[jamese777]

Louisiana Sen. David Vitter may be called to testify on behalf of a woman accused of running an upscale Washington prostitution service, attorneys said Monday at the opening of trial.

The Republican senator was among several possible witnesses identified Monday in the racketeering and money laundering case against Deborah Palfrey. Among others on the list is Harlan Ullman, a military strategist who created the concept of "shock and awe" that the United States used to open hostilities against Iraq more than five years ago.

Prosecutors said they planned to call about a dozen former escorts and several clients.

Vitter, a Republican senator in his first term, has acknowledged being involved with Palfrey's escort service. But after issuing brief statements apologizing for "a very serious sin," he has ducked follow-up questions. At trial, he would not have that luxury.

Prosecutor Catherine K. Connelly called the witness box "maybe the hottest seat in D.C. this year." Attorneys for both sides told jurors they would see former clients discussing embarrassing and sometimes graphic details about their personal lives.

"It gives me no great pleasure to walk these people through these situations," Palfrey's attorney, Preston Burton, told jurors during opening statements.

Burton told jurors that Palfrey ran a high-class fantasy business. Clients called in looking for a date, he said, and Palfrey got paid whether they played cards, saw a movie or — in the case of a few women who chose to — had sex. The escorts signed a contract promising not to break the law, he said, and the clientele was made of up "educated people who know when they're crossing the line."

[webheart]

Now they made sure to tell us that he’s a Republican. Didn’t hold that past the second sentence.

[ryan71]

“Among others on the list is Harlan Ullman, a military strategist who created the concept of “shock and awe””

He probably stole the saying from one of the girls.

[JimSEA]

"It gives me no great pleasure to walk these people through these situations," Palfrey's attorney, Preston Burton, told jurors during opening statements.

If he can say that with a straight face, he can take over running Hillery's campaign. Shameless. LOL

[NonValueAdded]

“Among others on the list is Harlan Ullman, a military strategist who created the concept of “shock and awe”” He probably stole the saying from one of the girls.

Yeah, "here comes Mr. shock and awe again" snicker, snicker.

[Enterprise]

The politicians in Washington D.C. have taken great pleasure in enacting legislation to combat prostitution to please their constituents. People from both parties, and people from a variety of occupations have been apprehended as a result of the legislation. I just wonder if at some point in the future we will see some of these programs get quietly defunded.