Sen. David Vitter, of Louisiana, may be called to testify in the upcoming trial of a woman accused of running a high-end Washington prostitution ring.
Defense attorneys listed the Republican senator among potential witnesses Monday as the jury was selected for the case against Deborah Palfrey. Vitter has acknowledged being involved with the escort service. But after issuing brief statements apologizing for what he called "a very serious sin," he has ducked follow-up questions.
On the witness stand, he would not have had that luxury.
Randall Tobias, a former senior State Department official, also is on Palfrey's witness list. Military strategist Harlan Ullman, who is known for developing the "shock and awe" warfare strategy, is on the government's witness list.
Palfrey is facing racketeering charges connected to her operation of a high-end escort service. Palfrey said the business was a legitimate erotic fantasy service. Prosecutors said her employees provided sex for money from 1993 to 2006.
In opening statements Monday afternoon, Palfrey's attorney said his client only sold appointments and had no control over what took place during those appointments.
The prosecution then called its first witness, a postal inspector, who testified that woman believed to be prostitutes sent Palfrey money by mail.
The trial is expected to last three or four weeks.
Palfrey provided ABC News with access to her escort service's telephone records for a May segment of "20/20."
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