Raped Constituent Confronts Vitter Over No Vote on Rape Amendment

Last month, Senator David Vitter (R-LA) was one of 30 Republicans who opposed a congressional measure to prohibit the government from working with contractors who deny victims of rape or assault the right to bring their cases to court.

At a town hall meeting last weekend, Vitter was confronted by a constituent who had been raped, and who had been able to take her case to court. She demanded to know why Vitter opposed Sen. Al Franken's (D-Minn) amendment.

Note that Vitter tried to deflect the argument toward Obama, but it should be noted that while the Obama Defense Department was concerned about the reach of the Franken legislation, the White House itself said it supported "the intent" and was working to make sure it was "enforceable."

Here's what was said. You can also watch the video below, but you must listen closely in parts due to low volume.

WOMAN: It meant everything to me that I was able to put the person who attacked me [behind bars]. And what allowed me to do that was our judicial process. I showed up in court every day to make sure that happened.

VITTER: And I'm absolutely supportive of any case like that being prosecuted criminally to the full extent of the law.

WOMAN: But there are rape victims who are being silenece. But how can you support a company that tells a rape victim that she does not have the right to defend herself?

VITTER: Ma'am, the language in question did not say that in any way shape or form.

WOMAN: But it is unconstitutional to have a law that says a woman does not have a right to defend herself.

VITTER: You realize Mr. Obama was against that amendment, that his administration was against that amendment

WOMAN: But I'm not asking Obama. I'm asking you.

VITTER: Do you think he's in favor in rape?

WOMAN: I am asking you, Senator. What if it was your daughter who was raped? Would you tell her to be quiet and take it? Would you tell your daughter to be silent?

This isn't the first such hot water David Vitter has been dipped into. Remember that he was one of the clients of the "DC Madam."