Rep. Jeff Landry (R-La.) is touting his good relationship with Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) in radio ads and stressing his opposition to the debt-limit increase ahead of a likely primary against Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.).

Vitter, a conservative kingmaker who is especially popular in the Cajun region that both Landry and Boustany represent, appeared with Landry last week in Boustany’s district at a panel of those opposed to the debt-limit increase, which got Boustany’s vote.

A Vitter spokesman said that the reason for the event was solely to discuss the debt-ceiling increase and backing Landry against Boustany in a primary “just hasn’t been a subject of conversation.”

“They do have  good relationship,” the spokesman said. “They’re similar on a lot of policies, but that’s what it’s about.”

Landry’s spokesman agreed that the event did not guarantee Vitter’s endorsement, but portrayed the event as an indication that Landry is more in line with Vitter than Boustany.

“It’s very clear that congressman Landry and Sen. Vitter agree that we need to reduce the nation’s debt,” Landry spokesman Brent Littlefield said. “As a result of that, we held two town-hall meetings together in areas … that happen to be represented to another congressman, and as Sen. Vitter pointed out, that congressman was not invited because he disagreed on the issues.”

This is not the first time Vitter has helped Landry out: He held a fundraiser for the freshman congressman in March.

Landry’s district was eliminated in a redistricting plan crafted in part by Boustany allies who aimed to give the long-term incumbent a safe district. Boustany has also faced little opposition since he won the seat in 2004.

But Landry has proven himself to be a strong campaigner, beating the GOP establishment’s favored candidate in a 2010 primary by running to his right. Should he choose to run against Boustany, as he has indicated he will, he will likely follow the same game plan.

Source: Landry touts Vitter ties ahead of likely primary against Boustany