Stink tanking Vitty style

River Birch Landfill's clout seen in federal legislation

Vitter once urged President George W. Bush to appoint Heebe as U.S. attorney in New Orleans, a post that eventually went to Jim Letten, who is leading the probe of Heebe and his River Birch Co. But after Heebe withdrew his name following allegations of domestic abuse, Vitter strongly backed Letten, even threatening to hold up President Barack Obama's judicial nominees unless Letten was reappointed.

Vitter received two $10,000 contributions from Heebe and his wife, Jennifer Sneed, to help pay legal expenses that arose after disclosure that his name appeared on the phone list of a Washington escort service.

Heebe donated $13,500 to Vitter campaigns from 2000 to 2008. Inhofe's campaign received a $2,000 contribution from Heebe in 2008.