Watchdog group seeks Senate probe of Vitter, centered on ex-aide’s legal troubles

Watchdog group seeks Senate probe of La.’s Vitter

NEW ORLEANS — A watchdog group wants a Senate committee to investigate allegations that Sen. David Vitter lied about duties of an aide who resigned after he was charged with attacking a girlfriend.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington also complains that the aide twice traveled to Louisiana at taxpayer expense when he faced court dates in a drunk driving case.

The former aide, Brent Furer, resigned in June. Furer was arrested and accused of a knife attack on a girlfriend in 2008, and he later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges.

Vitter’s campaign accuses CREW of “coordinating” an attack on Vitter with his Democratic opponent. However, the group has a history of complaints against members of both parties, including prominent Louisiana Democrats.