La. Rep. Melancon to make U.S. Senate bid

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-La., Thursday announced his bid for a Senate seat in 2010, emphasizing his conservative positions in the right-leaning state.

Melancon will be seeking the seat held by Republican Sen. David Vitter, The Hill reported.

Vitter came to national attention in 2007 when he admitted his involvement with a prostitute. Democrats have made an issue of Vitter's actions since then, The Hill said.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate to replace David Vitter because Louisiana deserves better," Melancon said in a video posted on the Internet. "Louisiana needs a different approach. More bipartisan. More disciplined. More honest, and with a whole lot more common sense."

Melancon's congressional district is the only one in the state represented by a Democrat.