Vitter raised $200k for madam defense

Vitter officially closes 'Madam' legal fund; see complete list of donors | thenewsstar.com | The News Star

The Louisiana Republican raised $200,010 through 27 contributors, many who gave the maximum $10,000, in less than a month, according to documents requested and obtained by The News-Star from Vitter's office.

Among the 27 contributors are well-known political and business figures like Donald "Boysie" Bollinger of Bollinger Shipyards; John Georges of Imperial Trading Co., who ran unsuccessfully for governor last year; Gary Chouest, a shipbuilder and part owner of the New Orleans Hornets; and New Orleans banker and real estate mogul Joseph Canizaro.

Seven members of the Chouest family combined to contribute $40,000. All 27 contributors are from Louisiana.

Vitter became involved in the case in July 2007 when his telephone number was found within a list of numbers kept by Deborah Jane Palfrey, who was convicted in federal court on racketeering charges in April. She committed suicide shortly afterward.