Greg Hilburn

USA TODAY Network

Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere has been trying to reach 5th District U.S. Rep. Vance McAllister, R-Swartz, since Tuesday night to ask him to resign, The Hill reported Wednesday.

Villere didn’t respond to an email from The ( Monroe) News-Star asking for comment.

But Jason Dore’, executive director of the state party, did reply to an email from The News-Star that said, “The chairman attempted to call the congressman (Tuesday night). As far as I know, the congressman hasn’t returned his call yet. As to the purpose of the call, I’m not sure.”

In a later email to The News-Star, Dore said, “(Villere) won’t be talking about the McAllister situation while he is still trying to reach him.”

Adam Terry, McAllister’s chief of staff, had no comment when asked about whether the congressman, whose district stretches as far south as part of St. Landry Parish, has heard from Villere.

On Wednesday, political scientist Joshua Stockley said America has gradually become more tolerant of its politicians’ indiscretions and believes 5th District U.S. Rep. Vance McAllister has a chance to survive — politically — his tryst with a former married staffer.

Stockley, a professor of political science at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, spoke to The News-Star’s Editorial Board on Wednesday.

“The fact that we haven’t heard any prominent politician or leader call for (McAllister’s) resignation has shown how our culture has changed,” Stockley said. “Today’s indiscretions aren’t automatic career killers.”

He cited former President Bill Clinton and U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., as prominent politicians who have overcome infidelities.

“President Clinton left more popular than when he took office, and Senator Vitter is considered the front-runner in the next Louisiana governor’s race,” Stockley said.

But Stockley said those who survive like Clinton and Vitter “quickly say they made a big mistake and ask for a second chance. Individuals who fight the allegations tend to end their political careers,” he said.

He said McAllister’s political viability in the future also will depend on whether the scandal ends now, saying if more infidelities surface the congressman could be finished.

Stockley said what could hurt McAllister is that family values and Christian faith were a large part of his platform.