Taking the Fifth?

Poor David Vitter.  Every time it seems like his troubles are behind him, something new from his past pops up:

WASHINGTON (AP) — When questioned about his links to a Washington escort service, Sen. David Vitter has chosen his words carefully. He apologized for a "very serious sin in my past," but said the details were best left between God and his family.

Now, the woman accused of running a high-end prostitution ring wants the Louisiana Republican to dish the salacious details in court.

A lawyer for indicted escort Deborah Palfrey has subpoenaed the first-term senator to testify at a hearing this month. Attorney Montgomery Blair Sibley said he'll ask Vitter pointedly, "As a client, did you engage in illegal sex acts?"

In a city where the preferred method of apologizing is a prepared statement and where follow-up questions are often ducked, Sibley is promising to force some answers. Unlike Vitter's news conference on the matter, at which he took no questions, the witness box can be an unscripted, on-the-record, under-oath political nightmare.

Palfrey's lawyer expects Vitter to fight the subpoena, probably arguing that he can't add anything new to the mix.  Or maybe he'll take the Fifth, although if the statute of limitations is up that won't work.  Republicans want him to fight because they've been damaged enough by the "Culture of Corruption" they created for themselves.

The hearing is scheduled for November 28th.  Pass the popcorn.

Comments

[actor212]

Actually, this is a very smart move by the defense.

If Vitter testifies, likely he'll lie on the stand about being a client, meaning Palfrey walks, pretty much. If his number in her book was "innocent" then reasonable doubt admits they all could have been.

If Vitter has to tell the truth, then Palfrey just bought herself a book deal that will outweigh the three or so years she does in prison (a la Sidney Biddle Barrows).

If Vitter refuses to answer the subpoena, Palfrey gets a mistrial.

[mandt]

"take the Fifth" Yea---make that Bourbon.