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Senator Won't Testify in 'DC Madam' Case

Posted Apr 14, 08 11:57 AM CDT in Politics 

(Newser) – Louisiana Sen. David Vitter will be spared an embarrassing trip to the witness stand in the trial of Deborah Palfrey, the so-called “DC Madam,” CQ Politics reports. The defense and prosecution both rested today, with the defense declining to call any witnesses. The Republican lawmaker, who has admitted using Palfrey’s service, was on the defense’s witness list.

Also spared were military strategist Harlan Ullman and former State Department official Randall Tobias, the AP reports. The jury will now decide the case based solely on prosecution evidence, with the defense expected to argue that Palfrey—charged with money-laundering and racketeering—was running a “high-end erotic fantasy service,” and was unaware of the prostitution going on.

Sources CQPolitics, Associated Press

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Sen. David Vitter, R-La., accompanied by his wife Wendy Vitter, speaks during a news conference in Metairie, La., in this July 16, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Sen. David Vitter, R-La., takes part in a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this July 17, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Deborah Palfrey reads a statement outside federal court in Washington in this March 9, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
Deborah Jeane Palfrey, center, charged in federal court with running a prostitution ring through her escort service, is walked to a car by her civil attorney in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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