The News Star: Senator Vitter campaigns at rally in Monroe
The News Star
7/8/2010
A collection of war veterans and area residents attended a rally Wednesday night for Sen. David Vitter at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum to show their support for the senator's campaign.
After an opening prayer from the Rev. Mark Foster of the Pentecostals, Vitter spoke to the audience about his aims for the upcoming election.
"We wanted to ask humbly for your support and your vote," he said. "I truly believe we face a critical fight as a country. I believe I can contribute to that fight, and that I can continue the fight effectively for Louisiana voters."
Vitter emphasized his stance by telling the audience about how he has been fighting since his first jaunt into the political arena.
"I started focusing on (Louisiana families) during my public service at the state Legislature," Vitter said. He said it was around then he first met his current opponent, U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville.
Foster said he enjoyed the senator's comments.
"I really think he has done a commendable job in helping our state and leading our state," Foster said. "I think he's done a great job. I don't think we need to change horses right now."
Vitter told the crowd conservative reforms around the time of former Gov. Edwin Edwards helped pave the way for the state.
"Today, we're at a similar spot, but on a much larger, national scale," Vitter said. "There's much more at stake."
Vitter said he was in support of the controversial new immigration law in Arizona and opposes the president's moratorium on oil drilling in the Gulf, which he said would cost more jobs than the oil spill.
Monroe attorney Paul Hurd said he thought the time was right for an election.
"He's right on the issues," Hurd said, "to really see if we're going to save the country from this deficit spiral we're all into right now."
Vitter is leading in money-raising and in public opinion polls, but Melancon is trying to close the gap.
Because of party primaries, the two won't actually square off until the general election Oct. 2.
So far, the only Republican challenging Vitter for the party nomination is Alexandria businessman Milton Gordon.
Melancon also picked up a Democratic challenger Wednesday in Cary J. Deaton of Metairie.
An independent, Mike Spears, a Lafayette businessman, and a Libertarian candidate, Tony Gentile of Mandeville, also qualified and will be on the ballot Oct. 2.
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