[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiodYD1His4&feature=player_embedded#!]
Trailing by double digits in the Louisiana Senate race, Democratic Rep. Charlie Melancon is trying to erase the deficit by reminding voters of his opponent’s history with prostitutes. In a two-minute ad titled “Forgotten Crimes,” Melancon’s camp paints Republican incumbent David Vitter, who was revealed as a client of the “D.C. Madam” in 2007, as a john masquerading as a social-values candidate. The spot resembles any number of true-crime shows on cable TV, complete with ominous music, “crime-scene re-enactments” and criticism from silhouetted constituents. “The man broke the law. There ought to be consequences for that,” says one. As Talking Points Memo notes, many voters are unaware of Vitter’s extracurricular activities. His opponent is hoping to gain ground by spreading the shame.