Posts tagged #Louisiana Politics

Fake News on the Bayou

Photo source: FreedomWorks

Photo source: FreedomWorks

While states neighboring Louisiana and other competing states are enacting pro-growth tax reform to make their states more attractive destinations for the expected uptick in global capital flows into the U.S., Gov. Edwards is busying implementing fiscal policies that make Louisiana less attractive to investors and site selectors. Despite all of this bad news, one can forgive folks in Louisiana for not being aware of what an outlier the Pelican State has become, seeing as those who report on state government in Baton Rouge have a habit of obscuring basic facts, such as whether lawmakers are raising or cutting tax rates.

Read more: Fake News On The Bayou: How One Governor's Tax Hike Becomes A Tax Cut

Posted on July 19, 2018 and filed under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana, Taxes.

What is The Reasoning Behind Jack Montoucet Moving the LDWF Offices???

Photo source: LDWF

Photo source: LDWF

Earlier in the month of March, a story started gaining traction that Sec. Jack Montoucet, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries secretary, was planning to consolidate the offices of the LDWF in New Iberia and Opelousas into a location that was being purchased in Lafayette.  The reason?  Sec. Montoucet has stated that he is unable to expand the location in New Iberia, repairs that are necessary for both locations and the need for a centralized location outside of Baton Rouge. 

As a result of the decision to close both locations, parish and city leaders from both areas met with Sec. Montoucet to discuss their concerns.  Among those in attendance was Port of Iberia Director and former State Senator, Craig Romero.  Romero offered property within the Port of Iberia to the LDWF in order to keep the department within Iberia Parish, which was done free of charge. This was offered as a result of the assistance the State of Louisiana has given the Port of Iberia with development costs for many years in the past. The Port felt it was time to repay for all favors in the past. Sec. Montoucet did not respond to that offer.  Additionally, the state owns vacant property in New Iberia that was being used for vocational training.  The campus is large enough to house the operations that are needed in Iberia Parish and can easily meet the needs that Montoucet has stated he requires.

The problem with this whole issue is that, on an almost daily basis, we are reminded by Gov. "Honor Code" that the state is broke.  The property in Lafayette is valued at $7 million dollars and is located in the heart of the city.  Does anyone with a modicum of intelligence think that this is a good idea?  How is it efficient to send boats from Lafayette to respond to calls in Loreauville, Jeanerette or areas in the eastern part of Iberia Parish.  How is it safe to be pulling boats through Lafayette to Dulles Drive?  Some of these boats are over 40 feet long and require a permit to be moved.  How are we going to pay for this location?  Oh, I think I know how.  Raise "fees".

Montoucet has floated the time honored tradition here in Louisiana of raising fees, this time on the backs of hunters and fishermen in the Sportsman's Paradise.  Per this piece from The Advocate, the following is being proposed:

License fees for basic fishing would rise by 42 percent and 33 percent for hunters under a proposal outlined Monday by the secretary for the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Jack Montoucet, a former state legislator who leads the agency, said the increases are needed to offset a wide range of financial problems, including the loss of $65 million since 2009 because of state budget problems.

This seems like nothing more than another attempt to spend money on the backs of the taxpayers of the State of Louisiana.  When are we going to stop letting these "public servants" shove it to us on a consistent basis. 

Similar to the "Drain the Swamp" campaign that is trending regarding Washington, D.C., we need to "Drain the Stick" here in Louisiana.

Louisiana Citizens for Job Creators: AG Landry Victory Against Transgender Expansion

Photo source: LA Attorney General

Photo source: LA Attorney General

Attorney General Jeff Landry has won yet another legal battle against Governor John Bel Edwards. Landry challenged Edward’s executive order expanding LGBT benefits for state workers. Landry believed the order exceeded Edward’s authority. 
 
A three-judge panel of Louisiana’s 1st Circuit Court of Appeal ruled unanimously. The executive order was an unconstitutional attempt to expand state law.
 
Landry said, “We have stated all along that the Governor must follow the law, just like everybody else. This ruling affirms a notion of basic civics that the Legislature makes the law, not the Governor.”
 
We commend Attorney General Landry on his on this victory as he continues to execute his authority as the state’s chief legal officer.
 

Rep. Mike Johnson Seeks 4th Congressional Seat

Photo source: YouTube  

Photo source: YouTube  

Republican Mike Johnson, Louisiana Representative for District 8, has announced this morning his intention to fill the seat in the US House for the 4th District that is being vacated by John Fleming, who is running for US Senate. 

Here is his announcement video released this morning: 

Sen. Ted Cruz Endorses Sen. David Vitter for Louisiana Governor

Photo source: Politico

Photo source: Politico

The following was released today regarding a major endorsement in Sen. David Vitter's run for Louisiana Governor: 

"We are less than one week away from the #1 race in America this fall. And it is not for the U.S. House or Senate, it’s for the next Governor of Louisiana.

I’ve had the pleasure of serving with David Vitter in the U.S. Senate, and he and I have fought side-by-side over and over again. Together, we've led the fight against President Obama's unconstitutional amnesty, and together, we've led the fight to defund Planned Parenthood.

David and I have together led the fight to eliminate the congressional exemption from Obamacare, and just this week we have joined together to lead the fight to eliminate federal funding for “sanctuary cities” who harbor illegal immigrants.

Will you join me in helping elect my colleague and friend, Senator David Vitter?

But that’s not all. He’s thoughtfully been studying how to face the challenges in Louisiana.

He’s passionate about Louisiana, and I know he’ll meet the challenges head on with strong leadership and real solutions. Look, we’re neighbors in Texas, and we share a lot of the same values. Louisiana deserves a governor who will stand up and fight for free-market principles and the Constitution.

I hope you’ll join me supporting David Vitter."

-Ted Cruz

Posted on October 20, 2015 and filed under Louisiana, David Vitter.

Woody Jenkins, Paid Political Hack, Former Democrat and Caldwell Shill

Photo source: CSPAN

Photo source: CSPAN

Woody Jenkins is a paid political operative, former Democratic Party official, failed candidate, and shill for Buddy Caldwell’s distortion campaign.

Jenkins was a decade-long Democrat legislator, who ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in 1978 and 1980. He conveniently switched parties to run and lose again for U.S. Senate in 1996.  Jenkins was also fined thousands by the Federal Election Commission for concealing $82,500 for a David Duke phone bank. He later lost again at a run for U.S. House of Representatives.

But Woody's epic failures have not deterred him from staying involved in politics. Nope, he is a paid political operative who will run negative campaigns against opponents of his paying clients.

The latest case shows how Jenkins, just like Caldwell, can't leave his Democrat roots.

Woody has launched political propaganda filled with lies and distortions against proven conservative Jeff Landry on behalf on lifelong Democrat Buddy Caldwell.

Jenkins operates what he calls a news service and newspaper, so he can profit from his political attacks.  His "reports" are nothing more than an old-school, good-old-boy, Democrat hit jobs against someone we all know and trust.

Lies like these clearly didn't work for Jenkins in the past and they won't this time either. We've learned about Caldwell's corrupt Buddy System and know it must end. This latest Jenkins smear campaign has us even more energized to back the honest, ethical, and conservative Jeff Landry.

Jeff Landry is a successful attorney who has handled millions of dollars in legal cases.  He has worked in multiple Louisiana court jurisdictions.  And even Mr. Jenkins has been forced to admit, Jeff Landry worked for one of Louisiana’s top law firms.

After Jeff Landry was successfully elected as a Republican to Congress with more than 60% of the vote, taking a seat held by the Democrats, Landry was no longer connected to Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith.

Working for Buddy Caldwell, Mr. Jenkins claims that Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith worked for the Attorney General’s office starting in March 2011.

In March 2011, Jeff Landry was already making national and state news for his efforts in Congress where he fought Obama’s federal overreach.

Failed Democratic politician Woody Jenkins, like Caldwell, can now claim he is a Republican.

The facts are Mr. Jenkins is a failed Democratic politician just like corrupt Buddy Caldwell.

GNO Republicans Endorse Jeff Landry for Attorney General

Photo source: LandryForLouisiana.com

Photo source: LandryForLouisiana.com

 St. Tammany Parish GOP, Jefferson Parish GOP, Orleans Parish GOP, St. Bernard GOP, St. Charles Parish GOP, St. John Parish GOP choose Landry over Incumbent.

METAIRIE, LA – At a press conference this afternoon, local Republican Parties from the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area announced their endorsements of Jeff Landry for Attorney General.

“Jeff Landry is a conservative lawmaker, a successful businessman, and a former law enforcement officer who is uniquely qualified to be Louisiana’s next Attorney General. The St. Tammany Parish Republican Party overwhelmingly endorses Jeff Landry for Attorney General, and we encourage everyone to vote for Jeff this month,” said St. Tammany GOP Chairman Peter Egan. 

“The Jefferson Parish Republican Party believes that Jeff Landry embodies the Republican principles of compassion, adherence to the Constitution, and fiscal conservatism,” said Jefferson GOP Chairwoman Polly Thomas. “The Jefferson Parish Republican Party urges voters to cast their ballots for Jeff Landry on October 24th or during the early voting period of October 10th through 17th.

“The Orleans Parish Republican Party is proud to endorse Jeff Landry for Attorney General,” said Orleans GOP Vice Chairman Adrian Bruneau. “We are confident Mr. Landry will return the Office of Attorney General to a positive direction and value-based leadership.”

“Jeff Landry represented St. Bernard with distinction and honor in Congress, and we know he will continue to defend the Constitution and promote our conservative values,” said St. Bernard GOP Chairman Mark Madary. “The St. Bernard Republican Party endorses Jeff Landry for Attorney General, and we encourage everyone from Arabi to Chalmette and Meraux to Violet to vote for Jeff Landry.” 

“Jeff Landry is honest and ethical; you can trust him. Jeff is uniquely qualified as a former lawmaker, law enforcement officer, and lawyer. The St. Charles Parish Republican Party endorses Jeff Landry for Attorney General, and I urge everyone to vote Jeff Landry for Attorney General,” said St. Charles GOP Chairman Garrett Monti. 

“The St. John the Baptist Republican Party knows the Attorney General is one of the most important offices in Louisiana, and we have given a great deal of thought to which candidate would best represent our state. After reviewing the candidates’ backgrounds and qualifications, the St. John Parish Republican Party has determined Congressman Landry’s unique combination of experience, conservatism, and integrity make him the best choice to represent all of Louisiana’s citizens,” said St. John GOP Vice Chairman Allan Reynaud.

In accepting these endorsements, Landry concluded: “I am grateful to have earned the support of the Greater New Orleans Republican Parties. We recognize change is needed to fight federal overreach and make our communities safer. Together, we will make Louisiana a better place to live, work, and raise our families.”

Posted on October 1, 2015 and filed under Jeff Landry, Louisiana.

TV Stations Pulling Anti-Vitter Ad

 

Alesia Ardoin, the lead attorney for the special interest PAC attacking Senator Vitter, has resigned today because of serious violations by her as attorney for the PAC that have come to light.

These alleged ethical and legal violations by her and the PAC are being pursued and could lead to her being sanctioned or disbarred, according to sources.

Several TV Stations have pulled the attack ad because it lied. WBRZ in Baton Rouge, KADN and KLAF in Lafayette, WNTZ in Alexandria and KARD/KTVE in Monroe have all pulled the ad. More TV stations are expected to pull down the ad.

Posted on September 10, 2015 and filed under David Vitter, Louisiana.

Jeff Landry Endorsed by Rob Maness and GatorPAC

Photo source: NOLA  

Photo source: NOLA  

BATON ROUGE, LA - At a press conference this morning in front of the Pentagon Barracks, Colonel Rob Maness (retired) - GatorPAC founder and a former Republican U.S. Senate Candidate who earned more than 200,000 votes - endorsed Jeff Landry for Attorney General. 

"The Attorney General race is an opportunity to elect a proven conservative Republican to fight continued Federal overreach, protect religious liberty, and fight corruption in statewide politics," said Maness. "I endorse and GatorPAC endorses Jeff Landry for Louisiana Attorney General."

Highlighting Landry's record of military service, law enforcement experience, and his conservative voting record in Congress - Maness continued, "I know Jeff will aggressively take on the big issues that affect Louisiana."

In accepting the endorsements, Landry declared: "I am humbled to have the support of Colonel Maness. Like him, I am not a politician.; rather, I am a husband and father who started a successful small business in the oil and gas industry. I am attorney who worked for one of Louisiana’s top 10 law firms. I see the destruction liberal policies have on our country, and I am running to fight back."

"While Colonel Maness and I stood together to oppose Mary Landrieu, Buddy Caldwell twice offered his support to her last year... even in the runoff," added Landry. "No conservative would do that. No Republican would do that. No one who is truly pro-life or pro-second amendment would do that."

"The purpose of GatorPAC is to keep the grassroots army we built during my 2014 U.S. Senate campaign engaged and to build upon that base. We look forward to mobilizing our troops to support Jeff Landry’s campaign for Attorney General," concluded Maness. 

Posted on September 1, 2015 and filed under Louisiana, Jeff Landry.

LSU College Republicans Endorse Jeff Landry for LA Attorney General

Photo source: Facebook

Photo source: Facebook

In a Facebook release, the group had the following to say regarding their endorsement of Landry over incumbent Buddy Caldwell. 

 "The LSU College Republicans are pleased to announce that our board voted unanimously to endorse Jeff Landry in his bid to become Louisiana's next Republican Attorney General. We hope you'll join us in supporting Jeff Landry and see as we do that Jeff is THE Republican in this race and is eminently qualified to serve as our Attorney General. "

Posted on August 30, 2015 and filed under Louisiana, Jeff Landry.

State Representative Stuart Bishop's Re-Election Announcement

State Rep. Stuart Bishop (R-Laf) announced his intention to see reelection in his district yesterday. Accompanied by Rep. Joel Robideaux and former Congressman Mike Michot, Bishop released the following statement:  

I’m honored to represent Lafayette Parish and am thankful for the opportunity to continue serving our community. Over the past four years, I’ve worked hard to pass common sense legislation to bring greater transparency to state government, strengthen ethics standards, cut bureaucratic red tape for families and businesses, protect our oil and gas industry, improve voting opportunities, access and technology and sustain our sportsman’s paradise. I’m ready to continue moving our Louisiana forward.

Photo source: Facebook

Photo source: Facebook

 Photo source: Facebook

 Photo source: Facebook

Photo source: Facebook

Photo source: Facebook

Posted on August 13, 2015 and filed under Republicans, Louisiana.

Sen. Elbert Guillory is Running For Louisiana Lt. Governor

Photo source: The Town Talk

Photo source: The Town Talk

In what can be called the worst kept secret of the 2015 elections in the state of Louisiana, Sen. Elbert Guillory (R-Opelousas) has announced in a phone interview that he will in fact run for Lt. Governor in the fall elections. 

Read more:  Sen. Guillory bids for lieutenant governor job


Posted on June 13, 2015 and filed under Louisiana.

Steve Scalise Endorses Vitter for Governor

image.jpg

The following email press release was issued by Senator David Vitter's office today regarding an endorsement from one of the members of the Louisiana delegation in Washington DC. Congressman Steve Scalise is the Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives and a member of Congress from the New Orleans area.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Luke Bolar

May 18, 2015

504-779-3771

 

Steve Scalise Endorses Vitter for Governor

Former Rep. Bob Livingston also endorsing Vitter

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) – David Vitter (R- La.) today announced key endorsements from Louisiana’s  First Congressional District. U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and former U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston are both endorsing Vitter for Governor. 

“Having served with David Vitter in the Louisiana legislature and in Congress, I’ve witnessed firsthand his commitment to the state of Louisiana and his ability to solve critical problems,” said Scalise. “Our state currently faces many important challenges. That's why I am excited to endorse David and see that he is the first candidate for governor to release a bold plan to solve many of the critical problems facing our state.”

“I've known David since he ran for my seat in Congress, and one thing is clear - he will not be outworked," former Rep. Bob Livingston said. "David Vitter stands up for what he believes and fights to get results. I haven't seen anything as substantive and forward thinking as the plan he's been rolling out to take on the challenges at the state level. David is a no nonsense kind of guy and we need his leadership as our next Governor.”

Vitter has also been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany, John Fleming, and Ralph Abraham and Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy.

###

ANOTHER INSTALLMENT OF "HOW CROOKED IS BUDDY CALDWELL?"

Source: KPEL 96.5

Source: KPEL 96.5

It seems that Buddy Caldwell cannot help but wallow in the swill of dishonest politics.  On the heels of his use of outside law firms that have financial ties to his office, he has been caught trying to file a word-for-word bill that was settled in 2013.  This is also the man that was caught on video serenading the former U.S. Senator from Louisiana, Mary Landrieu, in his best Elvis impersonation.

Caldwell is currently fighting for his political life in an upcoming reelection which pits him against former Congressman Jeff Landry, a Tea-Party favorite and advocate for smaller government.

Read more: Louisiana Attorney General’s Office accused by pharmaceutical giant of attempting to pursue case that was already settled

Posted on April 21, 2015 and filed under Louisiana.

SEN. DAVID VITTER RELEASES FUNDRAISING NUMBERS FOR HIS CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR

Photo - NOLA.com

Photo - NOLA.com

Today, U.S. Senator David Vitter's campaign will announce that he has raised more than $5.2 million for his campaign to be Louisiana’s Governor.  Vitter raised more than $1.1 million this quarter and has $4.2 million cash on hand for his campaign to replace the outgoing Bobby Jindal.

Additionally, the Fund for Louisiana’s Future, a political action committee supporting Vitter, announced today that it raised more than $680,000 from January 1st to April 17th of this year.  FFLF has raised more than $4.6 million to date.  Two-thirds of the $4.6 million has been raised by in-state contributions. 

With these two separate accounts / organizations, a total of $9.8 million has been raised. 

Posted on April 20, 2015 and filed under David Vitter, Louisiana.

LOUISIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL BUDDY CALDWELL'S NAME COMES UP YET AGAIN IN AN INVESTIGATION

In what seems to be a trend as of late, Louisiana Attorney General, Buddy Caldwell, is again named in another legal proceeding. This time, Caldwell is being accused of using his office for political gain for a friend in a political campaign against Saint Bernard Parish President Earl Peralta.

Read more:  Lawyer: Peralta target of new grand jury in East Baton Rouge

Courtesy of the New Orleans Advocate

Courtesy of the New Orleans Advocate

Posted on April 18, 2015 and filed under Louisiana.