La. senator on D.C. Madam's list

WASHINGTON, July 10 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., offered up an apology Monday for his phone number turning up in the records of the so-called D.C. Madam.

"This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible," Vitter said in a statement. "Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there -- with God and them. But I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way."

Vitter's mea culpa came as Deborah Jeane Palfrey released the phone numbers of up to 15,000 customers of her Washington escort service, Pamela Martin and Associates, on her Web site, FOX News reported. Palfrey is accused of using the escort service as a cover for a prostitution ring and is charged with federal racketeering and conspiracy charges.

Prosecutors had tried unsuccessfully to keep Palfrey from making the list public.