David Vitter: poster boy for poor impulse control

Louisiana Senator David Vitter has been sniping at senior Senator Mary Landrieu since he was elected. By now, everyone is aware that they jointly presented the $250 billion aid package that was soundly laughed out of town by some Congresspeople and the news media (Landrieu fought back, as is her way). In fact, despite the joint presentation, each filed several versions of the bill.

When Landrieu became incensed that Louisiana would have to pay back a $750 million loan package when no other state has ever been required to do so, Vitter went on the attack, saying that the longer she filibustered, the more time was running out for the House to act on the loan package. Landrieu held her ground in protest, then finally gave up.

Some people say that the payback qualification was included because of Louisiana's reputation for corruption. I certainly don't deny that Louisiana has a history of corruption, but this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black that is so absurd it explodes the entire kitchen. The Bush administration has refused to give Congress any accountability for the money it has spent on Katrina damage, but Congress has chosen--so we hear--to focus on Louisiana. And even if the administration had been forthcoming with Katrina expenditures, it doesn't take away from the fact that it is one of the most corrupt machines in the world.

On Wednesday, when he was speaking to the Lafayette Parish Republican Executive Committee, Vitter said he would be willing to sign a recall petition for Governor Blanco, and then responded to praise for his own post-Katrina behavior by saying "It's easy to look like a giant in a land of pygmies."

Actually, it's easy to look like a total butthole in a land of people who are trying to get something done for Louisiana.