Louisiana Political News Service

Breaux says he wanted to run- He remains a celebrity in Washington
by Bill Walsh - Times-Picayune (excerpt)

He said he began interviewing campaign staff and lined up fundraisers in Washington and Louisiana. Bumper stickers were designed and scripts for TV ads were written.

He said he knew it wouldn't be a coronation. A Verne Kennedy poll for businessman John Georges, who is considering a run for governor as a Republican, showed Rep. Bobby Jindal, R-Kenner, leading Breaux 39-30. Other polls showed Jindal with a more sizable lead.

LPNS COMMENTARY: The "other polls" to which the article refers showed Breaux trailing Jindal by over 25%. Which is the real reason he didn't run.



Tax Breaks are Tied Up in the House Ways and Means Committee
by MIKE HASTEN - News Star (excerpt)

BATON ROUGE — State lawmakers have a lot of ironing to do when they return to the Capitol today.

They'll have to iron out differences in numerous bills making their way through the House and Senate and make compromises if bills are to pass.

With a huge surplus from last year and even higher state revenue expected this year, numerous lawmakers are pushing tax breaks for business.



Corps Approves Closing MRGO
WDSU Channel 6 (NBC) (excerpt)

CHALMETTE, La. -- The Army Corps of Engineers has approved closing Mississippi River Gulf Outlet. The Corps' decision was made public at a meeting on Saturday.

The Corps estimated the clay and rock dam would take six months to build at a cost of up to $50 million.



N.O. debt burden nears $1 billion
by Bruce Eggler - Times-Picayune (excerpt)

Counting the $55.7 million the Board of Liquidation expects to pay this year on the bonds and other obligations it oversees, the city's total spending on debt service this year will come to $99 million.

That debt is likely to increase significantly in the next few years, the report notes.
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Labels: BREAUX, GOVERNOR, LEGISLATURE, LOUISIANA, NEW ORLEANS, POLITICS