BATON ROUGE - After months of attacks about the issue, Republican candidate for governor David Vitter is addressing his prostitution scandal in a new television ad - though without using the word prostitution. 

The 30-second spot, released Monday, features Vitter sitting at a kitchen table as he talks to the camera, saying: "Fifteen years ago, I failed my family but found forgiveness and love."

Vitter, a U.S. senator, apologized in 2007 for a "serious sin" after he was linked through phone records to Washington's "D.C. Madam."

In the ad, Vitter says, "Our falls aren't what define us, but rather how we get up, accept responsibility and earn redemption."

Outside groups and rivals have repeatedly hit Vitter about the scandal this election cycle. He faces Democrat John Bel Edwards in the Nov. 21 runoff.