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Vitter Aide Who Assaulted Girlfriend Resigns

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

Brent Furer, the aide to Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) who allegedly cut his girlfriend with a knife during a 2008 altercation and has had other run-ins with the law, has resigned after ABC reported on his criminal record, the AP is reporting.

The AP says Vitter “accepted” Furer’s resignation.

The move raises the question of why Vitter would accept Furer’s resignation now after keeping him on payroll for the roughly 30 months since the incident occurred.

Late Update: Vitter spokesman Joel DiGrado tells the AP the senator knew of the assault case but not Furer’s other cases — mostly drunk driving charges. “Senator Vitter accepted the employee’s resignation today after learning of the other incidents.”

However, a reverend connected to Vitter supervised Furer’s community service after a 2003 drunk driving case. ABC reported:

He pleaded guilty to DWI, was placed on probation for one year, and was ordered to serve 32 hours of community service. Papers Furer filed with the court show his service involved painting a New Orleans church, as overseen by the pastor, Rev. Malcolm Richard. Richard also works as one of Sen. Vitter’s regional directors.

Vitter’s office has not responded to calls.

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