Peterson pushed Edwards campaign, Democratic Party to work with firms in fraud scheme

.@StephenHandwerk, the former executive director of the @LaDemos under Karen Carter Peterson, gave his perspective on her misuse of state party funds. From @GregLaRose. #lalege #lagov https://t.co/mt7FkoVqdK

— Julie O'Donoghue (@JSODonoghue) July 18, 2022

Karen Carter Peterson pushed for the Louisiana Democratic Party to award a contract worth tens of thousands of dollars to a New Orleans political consulting firm just a few weeks before the 2019 primary election for governor. That’s according to the state party’s executive director at the time, who says he questioned Peterson, then the party chair, before learning Gov. John Bel Edwards’ campaign was OK with the deal. 

Read more: Peterson pushed Edwards campaign, Democratic Party to work with firms in fraud scheme

Karen Carter Peterson expected to plead guilty to gambling with campaign, Dem party funds

Peterson, an outspoken champion of liberal causes, had been a state senator for 12 years before her resignation earlier this year, and before that she spent a decade in the House. She lost a 2021 congressional race to U.S. Rep. Troy Carter.

If Peterson acknowledges steering money intended for the struggling Louisiana Democratic Party to her own use, it will add considerably to the controversy around her eight-year tenure as party chair, from 2012 to 2020.

Read more: Karen Carter Peterson expected to plead guilty to gambling with campaign, Dem party funds

Karen Carter Peterson, the former leader of Louisiana’s Democratic Party, has paid $50K in restitution to the party and is expected to plead guilty to gambling with campaign, Dem party funds. From @tegbridges and @GordonRussell1 https://t.co/qNZJGA0umk via @nolanews

— Sam Karlin (@samkarlin) July 14, 2022

10 Days and Counting with No Comment from Louisiana Democrats on Senator Troy Brown’s Domestic Assault Arrests

Press release from the Louisiana Republican Party

Ten days ago, State Senator Troy Brown (D-Napoleonville) was arrested for the second time in under a year for domestic assault. Ten days later, Louisianians have yet to hear a single word from Governor John Bel Edwards or leaders of the Louisiana Democrat Party regarding this matter. Not one. Not a rebuke…nor a call for his resignation…There’s not been so much as a whisper from the fourth floor of the Capitol.

The Republican Party of Louisiana has called into question on numerous occasions why nothing has been said; why little has been reported on in the media. 

“Where’s the outrage?” asked LAGOP Executive Director Jason Doré. “Where is the call for his resignation? Were he a professional athlete, he would have been fired for attacks on women. Were he a Republican, the Democrat headquarters on Government Street would be abuzz with activity calling for his ouster.”

The fact that Troy Brown hasn’t stepped down is one thing, but the LADEMO chair’s silence is another. State Senator Karen Carter Peterson should be outraged at Senator Brown’s behavior. She said on the floor of the DNC Convention this week in Philadelphia that violence “does not define us.” Why, then, is she complicit in violence against women, by remaining mum on the matter?

“If love trumps hate, then why do leaders in the Democrat Party here in Louisiana not stand up to such hateful acts of violence and call on Troy Brown to resign?” asked Doré. He went on to say that, “Inaction by those who have the ability force the issue only shows one thing: Louisiana Democrats are trying to ignore this story and hope it will go away.”

Just as Democrats have done at their convention in Philadelphia by pretending the threat of terrorism doesn’t exist, to protect their image, they are pretending charges of the assault on two women by Senator Troy Brown isn’t a reality to protect one of their own. This behavior is ridiculous, and Louisiana deserves better.

The Republican Party of Louisiana calls on Senator Troy Brown to resign and encourages Louisiana Democrats, especially Governor Edwards, to practice what they preach and stand up for victims of domestic violence by joining our call for Brown’s resignation.