U.S. Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana is scheduled to be called as a witness in the trial of a woman accused of running a high-end Washington, D.C., prostitution ring.
Defense attorneys listed Vitter among their witnesses as jury selection began today in Washington, D.C., in the trial of Deborah Jeane Palfrey. Vitter has fought the subpoena to testify to no avail.
Palfrey, the so-called "D.C. Madam," is charged with money laundering and racketeering. She ran an escort service in Washington for 13 years. Federal prosecutors said it was a front for prostitution-related activities; Palfrey said she ran a legal "fantasy services" firm and never authorized any illegal activities.
Vitter has acknowledged being involved with the escort service.
Vitter has said very little about his liaisons. He issued brief statements apologizing for "a very serious sin" but has ducked follow-up questions.
If he's called to testify at Palfrey's trial, Vitter might not have that luxury -- although he could refuse to answer by citing his 5th Amendment right not to incriminate himself. Through his lawyer, Vitter has said he will not testify.
Vitter's telephone number is listed several times in Palfrey's phone records from 2001. He was a member of the House of Representatives at the time.
The judge in Palfrey's trial has rejected an effort by Vitter's lawyer to quash the subpoena compelling him to testify.
Both the prosecution and the defense have indicated they will call former clients of Palfrey's escort service as witnesses.
Randall Tobias, a former senior State Department official, is also on Palfrey's witness list. Military strategist Harlan Ullman, who is known for developing the "shock and awe" warfare strategy at the start of the Iraq war, is on the government's witness list.
The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report
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