Monday, March 13, 2006
New Blanco Lobbyist
WAFB TV
Marie Centanni
Governor Kathleen Blanco announced today she has a new acting Legislative Director, former Speaker of the House and current Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Brigadier General Hunt Downer. Downer, who ran against Blanco, as a Republican, for governor in 2003, will serve as the Blanco's lobbyist at the capitol, helping to push her agenda during the session.
Downer will replace Rochelle Dugas, who will lead the Louisiana Offshore Terminal Authority, the agency that oversees the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP). Downer will continue his duties as Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Assistant Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard, Blanco's office said.
ADVOCATE
By MICHELLE MILHOLLON
Capitol News Bureau
(excerpt)
It was Blanco’s idea for her legislative director, Rochelle Michaud Dugas, to become executive director of the Department of Transportation and Development’s Louisiana Offshore Terminal Authority, a DOTD official said Monday.
Dugas, a longtime aide to Blanco, does not appear to have experience with ports. Asked what experience she had, the governor’s office said Dugas’ family is involved in the oil and gas industry.
The Advocate could not reach Dugas to comment on her new job. Bottcher said Dugas already left the governor’s office. A call to LOOP’s Baton Rouge office got a recording that the number was disconnected.
LPNS COMMENTARY: SOUNDS LIKE A SENTENCE TO LOUISIANA'S OWN OFFSHORE POLITICAL SIBERIA.
