Senator says local hooker claim untrue

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) denied having relationships with New Orleans prostitutes, a week after apologizing for his links to a Washington escort service that federal prosecutors allege was a prostitution ring.

Vitter emerged from a week of seclusion, appearing at a news conference in Metairie with his wife, Wendy. He denied the New Orleans prostitution allegations by a former madam and said he was returning to Washington to resume his Senate duties.

“I want to again offer my deep, sincere apologies to all those I have let down and disappointed with actions from my past,” Vitter said. “I am completely responsible, and I am so very, very sorry.”

Vitter said he and his wife had had marriage counseling.