Louisiana Political News Service

State GOP using heavy hand in fall statewide elections
by MELINDA DESLATTE - Associated Press (LA) (excerpt)

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's Republican Party is flexing its muscle, determined to make its mark on this fall's statewide elections and steer favored candidates into office.

Anyone questioning the party's ability to make waves should make a study case of John Breaux's flirt with the governor's race and subsequent exit.

Republicans managed to help push a tough Democratic candidate out of the running for governor without a vote being tallied, showing the party has sway and isn't afraid to use it.


Breaux was clearly chased out of the race
by JOHN HILL - Shreveport Times (excerpt)

You have to credit Louisiana Republican Party Chair Roger Villere, the Metairie florist who led a very effective anti-Breaux campaign on television, in the media and on the Internet. It was a political decision on which there was dissent -- some of the party's big fund-raisers thought it was a waste of money.

You can't argue with a win. Villere made a good call.


Odom- the momentum in the race is swinging to Jindal
by Ed Anderson - Times-Picayune (excerpt)

It's an unusual situation for Democrats. The party that has dominated Louisiana politics for 130 years is having trouble finding a well-known candidate with broad appeal in a state that is conservative and trending more so.

With the sheriffs' support, "the momentum in the race is swinging" to Jindal, said state Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom, a major player in state Democratic Party politics.

Odom said Boasso "would pick up votes if he switches, but Foster (Campbell) is in the race to stay," and that presents a possible barrier to a Boasso run as a Democrat.


Sheriffs Lend Even More Clout to Jindal Campaign
by DOUG SIMPSON - Associated Press (LA) (excerpt)

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The Louisiana Sheriff's Association has voted to endorse Republican U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal for governor, a rare move for a politically influential group made up mainly of Democrats.

Sheriffs are a potentially powerful political force, partly because they employ so many people. Modern telephone, television and Internet advertising campaigns have diluted that clout, but they retain sway over many voters, political observers said.


Tell us where money is going!
by JIM BEAM - The American Press (excerpt)

Louisiana legislators last year spent $32 million of our tax dollars on questionable pet projects back home. Now, some of them are complaining about having to explain just who got the money and how it is being spent.

What do you think will happen in the upcoming session when legislators will have up to $3 billion extra to spend? That’s a frightening thought, isn’t it?


KENNEDY- Follow YOUR Money!
by Capitol News Bureau - Advocate (excerpt)

Treasurer launches new money tracker

State Treasurer John Kennedy has begun an online site that explains exactly how much money state government spends each second and what it is spent on.

The Web site is http://www.latreasury.com.


Johnny Anderson Steps Down
by PAUL GATES - WAFB Channel 9 (CBS) (excerpt)

Johnny Anderson, Chairman of the Southern University Board of Supervisors, stepped down from his position Saturday morning.


Blanco challenges Campbell's tax idea
by MICHELLE MILLHOLLON - Advocate (excerpt)

Gov. Kathleen Blanco is criticizing fellow Democrat Foster Campbell, who wants to succeed her. Campbell, a member of the Public Service Commission from Bossier Parish, responded Friday by saying the state’s politicians need a firmer backbone.

Campbell said the governor has always been very close to the oil companies that make money off the state. “We shouldn’t run (the state) like it’s a special interest business,” Campbell said.


NEW DAY PODCAST: INTERVIEW WITH JOHN KENNEDY
by EMILY METZGAR - EmilyMetzgar.com (excerpt)

Episode 12 of the New Day Louisiana Podcast features an interview with State Treasurer John Kennedy. Listen to the podcast by clicking on the link above.
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