David Vitter Wants to Be BP's Best Friend

Here's an unusual way for a GOP senator facing re-election to court a conservative base he alienated by cavorting with DC prostitutes: Push to limit the liability of a company that just delivered what may be his state's worst-ever man-made disaster. That's what Louisiana's David Vitter is doing: Last week Vitter introduced legislation to cap BP's liability for the Gulf oil spill at the last four quarters of the company's profits, Time reports.

Vitter also says the state needs more offshore drilling leases—no surprise to those familiar with bring-home-the-bacon Louisiana politics. Even Vitter's Democratic opponent supports expanded drilling in the wake of the spill. Louisiana Dems are, however, definitely not with Vitter on the BP liability cap, and have taken the issue as a chance to pound him for trying to limit the damages his own constituents might claim from the oil giant.