U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., in seclusion since his name was linked to the “D.C. Madam” scandal, plans a quiet return to the nation’s capital.
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A two-sentence statement released by the senator’s office on Sunday said Vitter plans to return to Washington so he can vote in the Senate.
While his office remain tightlipped on the details of his planned return, U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., reportedly told the Associated Press that he had traded e-mails with Vitter last week and expects him to return to the Capitol by Tuesday.
Vitter missed votes on crucial Iraq policy matters last week.
He has been keeping a low profile since July 9 when he released a statement expressing regret for a “very serious sin.” He admitted that his Washington phone number was on the list of phone calls released by attorneys for Deborah Jeane Palfey, who prosecutors say ran Pamela Martin & Associates, a high-priced escort service. Palfrey maintains her escort service was a legitimate business that offered sexual fantasies.
Sen. Vitter was also accused by a prominent Republican in New Orleans of cavorting with a prostitute in the city’s French Quarter. The allegations emerged a day after Vitter publicly apologized for his connection to Palfrey.
A former madam of a New Orleans brothel also came forward to allege ties to the lawmaker.
Several GOP lawmakers are supportive of Vitter saying he deserves forgiveness for erring. Opponents, however, are having a field day, accusing Vitter of being a hypocrite who has cultivated an image of being more ethical than most politicians.
(The Associated Press contributed to the story.)
