Sen. David Vitter (R) released a TV ad hitting Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-03). It was produced by Brabender Cox. Full script, "Welcome Prize:"

VITTER: "I'm David Vitter and I approve this message." ANNCR: "Charlie Melancon. Thanks to him, we might as well put out a welcome sign for illegal immigrants. Melancon voted to make it easier for illegals to get taxpayer-funded benefits and actual welfare checks. Melancon even voted against allowing police to arrest illegals. Thanks to Charlie Melancon, it's no wonder illegals keep coming and coming and coming..." (release, 10/8).

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The ad has been denounced as "racist" and "reprehensible" by the LA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Trying to use the immigration topic against Melancon seems a little counter-intuitive." NumbersUSA "rates both Vitter and Melancon as allies on the issue, and, in fact, Melancon scores far better in their rankings than three" members of the LA GOP delegation.

"The Vitter ad cites two mostly party-line votes on 'motions to recommit,' which are frequently used by both sides to trap the opposition into impossible choices that can then be used against them in future attack ads" (Tilove, New Orleans Times-Picayune, 10/9).

Five Becomes One

Melancon and third-party candidates are urging "promoters to hold five live televised debate regardless" of whether Vitter attends. Vitter has agreed to only one debate, on 10/28. "At least two debate sponsors said the events would not go on without Vitter" (Shuler, Baton Rouge Advocate, 10/9)