Local and national political figures may be distancing themselves from U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-Metairie, but state Rep. Mike Strain, R-Covington, is standing by his colleague and ally.
 
"We're friends," Strain said. "I'm proud to have his support."

Strain, who is running for state commissioner of agriculture, had featured a photograph of himself with Vitter on the "About Mike" page of his campaign Web site. A quote from Vitter endorsing Strain's candidacy was posted above the image.
 
Internet reports accused Strain of "dumping" Vitter by removing the image and quote after the senator recently became embroiled in a prostitution scandal. But Strain said that's not true -- the material was moved, not removed.
 
"It's just in a different place," Strain said. The side-by-side photograph is still viewable in the "Multimedia" slideshow section, and the endorsement can be found in an April 24 press release under the "News" section.

Vitter's quote reads: "To move Louisiana forward we must move beyond our past of cronyism and corruption. We must support leaders we can trust and be proud of. Join me in supporting Mike Strain for agriculture commissioner and let's get started in making Louisiana a better place -- a place we can all be proud to call home."
 
The "About Mike" section of Strain's Web site now features an image of the candidate with NRA President Wayne LaPierre. Strain said his Web site was updated for a recent fund-raising appeal.
 
The candidate called the claim that he "dumped" his friend "Internet incest," a political rival's use of an "attack blog" to stir up nonsense.

"My prayers go to Senator Vitter and his family," he said.