LA FREEDOM CAUCUS CONDEMNS BIGOTED SENATE AND HOUSE RESOLUTIONS

BATON ROUGE—U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins joins the Louisiana Freedom Caucus standing in opposition to SR152 (and its HR323 mini-me in the House), an ill-informed, bigoted attempt to smear Louisiana School Superintendent Cade Brumley and Prager University, a 501(C)(3) non-profit educational organization, founded by Dennis Prager, one of the most preeminent Jewish voices in America today.

“The audacity and sheer ignorance of this attempt by our Democrat colleagues to smear one of the leading Jewish voices in America as antisemitic is a testament to the Democratic Party’s shoot, ready, aim method of operation that has left them on life support in Louisiana,” said Beryl Amedee, Chairman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “Prager University is renowned for teaching American exceptionalism, and our imperfect founding, yet they also teach that our American ideals and values are superior to those who wish to enslave America to communism. We at the Louisiana Freedom Caucus welcome the balance that the PragerU/LDOE partnership brings to school curriculum to counter the hate-America agenda of the Left that is rampant in our country today.”

"Senator Fields should respect the people of Louisiana enough to research actual facts before he orchestrates the introduction of a Resolution that somebody else wrote. He's way out of his depth here. PragerU is deeply committed to Constitutionalist principles. Cleo Fields apparently opposes those principles," said Rep. Clay Higgins, member of the House Freedom Caucus.

Louisiana Young Republicans Support Congressman Steve Scalise for Speaker of the House of Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 11, 2023

Baton Rouge, LA — The Louisiana Young Republicans wholeheartedly support Congressman Steve Scalise for Speaker of the House.

Scalise's unwavering commitment to conservative principles, exemplary leadership qualities, and tireless advocacy for the people of Louisiana make him the ideal candidate for this position. Throughout his congressional career, Steve Scalise has consistently championed limited government, individual freedom, and economic prosperity. Additionally, his unique ability to bridge divides and find common ground with all colleagues underscores his effectiveness as a leader, which is precisely what is needed in the role of Speaker of the House.

Steve Scalise is a fighter, survivor, and we are confident that his leadership will bring about the positive changes our nation needs.

www.louisianayr.com

House Republicans Release "Commitment to America"

In a response to the failure of the Democrat leadership and the Biden administration, the House Republican Leadership issued a “Commitment to America” yesterday. The preamble to that commitment can be found here.

More information on this commitment can be found at this website.

Today, House Republicans released the Commitment to America – an agenda to restore our nation. We are fighting for an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a future built on freedom, and a government that’s accountable.https://t.co/I3SbvOsqES

— Rep. Clay Higgins (@RepClayHiggins) September 22, 2022

STEFANIK: When Republicans Take the Majority, GOP Will Pursue Jan. 6 Documents and Hunter Biden

Stefanik complains the January 6th committee has not complied with requests to preserve documents and requests to turn the documents over. She says if Republicans take the majority they will pursue that and Hunter Biden pic.twitter.com/XlYWVQ4iiu

— Acyn (@Acyn) July 18, 2022

Statement by Chairman Louis Gurvich on Governor Edwards' Scandal

BATON ROUGE- "The Governor’s press conference on February 1st leaves us with more questions than answers. The reasoning provided by Governor Edwards as to why he either stayed quiet, omitted the truth, or was actually complicit in the lies regarding the death of Ronald Green, is implausible at best.

"Even the known facts are damning: Wiped cell phones, delays and denials of public records requests, fired whistleblowers, an overall refusal to provide justice and transparency to the family of Mr. Greene, and recently leaked proof that Governor Edwards knew the official story was false the very day that Ronald Greene died. Most of all, the continuing refusal of the Governor to provide the family of Mr. Greene with the updated facts as they became available speaks volumes of this Governor’s lack of integrity and common human decency.

"Now, two and a half years too late, the Governor insults us with a litany of implausible excuses which satisfies no one. And the great question remains: How much more evidence is out there still waiting to be revealed?

"The people of Louisiana are entitled to all of the facts. The Governor must immediately turn over all public records, phone logs, text messages, videos, documents, reports, and emails regarding the incident which ended in the tragic death of Mr. Greene on May 10, 2019, and the subsequent coverup which continues to this day.

“All who played a part in this shameful story must be held to account. Nothing less will restore the public trust of all Louisianians in this tarnished administration. We must have leaders who value integrity, transparency, and justice, even when it may cost them an election."

Republicans Stand For the Sanctity of Life

This weekend, Chairman Louis Gurvich and the Republican Party of Louisiana remember the lives of the unborn we have lost and renew our commitment to fighting for pro-life policies. 

We are extremely proud that Louisiana consistently ranks in the top 5 most pro-life states year after year. The Republican Party of Louisiana will continue to stand for the sanctity of life, speak up for the unborn, and help vulnerable mothers.

Let us not forget the damage the Democrats have done in recent history:

• Embraced radical pro-abortion policies contrary to science

• Used taxpayer dollars to fund late-term abortion

• Democrats have refused to back any limitations on abortion, including up to the moment of birth and after

• Democrats even blocked legislation banning infanticide

• Abandoned decades of bipartisan consensus by not including the Hyde Amendment , which prevents taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, in their tax-and-spend “Build Back Broke” agenda

We encourage all willing to participate to make your voice heard at a Louisiana "Together for Life" march near you this Saturday and Sunday:

• Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022: Life March Southwest, Lake Charles

• Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022: Life March South, Baton Rouge

• Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022: Life March Northwest, Shreveport-Bossier

• Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022: Life March Northeast, West Monroe-Monroe

• Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022: Life March Cenla, Pineville-Alexandria

OFFICIAL: LAGOP Statement on U.S. Supreme Court's Ruling on Louisiana Abortion Law

The U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling on abortion threatens the value of all human life.

Baton Rouge, LA –  The Republican Party of Louisiana is very disappointed by today’s U. S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Louisiana’s abortion law.  As Attorney General Jeff Landry has already stated, this is a tragic decision that only advances the cause of devaluing human life. 

As pro-life conservatives, we believe that every single human life is equally valuable. When any society routinely condones practices that devalue human life, this only leads to further systemic injustice. For-profit abortion is one of the worst injustices plaguing modern American society. The practice unduly targets disadvantaged and other vulnerable groups and perpetuates a myth that some lives are more valuable than others. Rather than liberating women, abortion has allowed for the development of new forms of female oppression. Far from being a humane practice, abortion is a barbaric one which has no place in a just society. 

“The Louisiana abortion law which was struck down earlier today had sought to make for-profit abortion groups more responsible for the safety and welfare of their patients,” said LAGOP Chairman Louis Gurvich. “That our nation’s highest court found such legislation to be unconstitutional is a sad testament to the state of our country. We will not stop working until this injustice is no more.”

###

LCCM Releases Support for Conservative Members

Recognizes sitting members for their continued support of conservative values

BATON ROUGE, LA – In anticipation of the 2019 election cycle, The Louisiana Committee for a Conservative Majority (LCCM) recognizes current members of the Louisiana legislature that are running for re-election and have been supportive of conservative values throughout their tenure in the legislature. Those members are:

• Representative Alan Seabaugh, House District 5

• Representative Larry Bagley, House District 7

• Representative Raymond Crews, House District 8

• Representative Dodie Horton, House District 9

• Representative Wayne McMahen, House District 10

• Representative Chris Turner, House District 12

• Representative Jack McFarland, House District 13

• Representative Lance Harris, House District 25

• Representative Mike Johnson, House District 27

• Representative Stephen Dwight, House District 35

• Representative Julie Emerson, House District 39

• Representative Phillip DeViller, House District 41

• Representative John Stefanski, House District 42

• Representative Stuart Bishop, House District 43

• Representative Jean-Paul Coussan, House District 45

• Representative Mike Huval, House District 46

• Representative Ryan Bourriaque, House District 47

• Representative Blake Miquez, House District 49

• Representative Beryl Amedee, House District 51

• Representative Jerome Zeringue, House District 52

• Representative Tanner Magee, House District 53

• Representative Greg Miller, House District 56

• Representative Tony Bacala, House District 59

• Representative Valarie Hodges, House District 64

• Representative Barry Ivey, House District 65

• Representative Paula Davis, House District 69

• Representative Mark Wright, House District 77

• Representative Polly Thomas, House District 80

• Representative Clay Schexnayder, House District 81

• Representative Nicholas Muscarello, House District 86

• Representative Mary DuBuisson, House District 90

• Representative Sherman Mack, House District 95

• Representative Ray Garofalo, House District 103

• Representative Paul Hollis, House District 104

• Representative Chris Leopold, House District 105

• Senator Neil Riser, House District 20

The Louisiana Coalition for a Conservative Majority (LCCM) previously LCRM, the Louisiana Committee for a Republican Majority, has had a powerful impact on the Louisiana Legislature, helping turn what was once Democrat-held chambers into strong Republican majorities in both the House and the Senate. LCCM raised $3.7 million over the previous two cycles and has raised over another $1.25 Million this cycle. 

Now is the time that LCCM plans to hold conservatives accountable. With its most recent round of endorsements, LCCM will build on previous wins of LCCM supported candidates, now Representatives John Stefanski, Raymond Crews, Mike Johnson, and Chris Turner. Additionally, LCCM submarined a surging Democrat turned Independent in St. Tammany, assisting in electing now Representative Mark Wright. 

RGA: Left Behind

The Republican Governors Association’s PAC, Right Direction, has issued the latest video in the campaign to defeat “Honor Code” John Bel Edwards.

LAGOP: How Not To Govern Louisiana- The Sad Tale of ITEP Under the John Bel Edwards’ Administration

Photo source: KNOE

We were very pleased to learn last week that the Exxon/Mobil polyolefin plant expansion project worth about $500M had received what is called an “ITEP” exemption from local property taxes, and that the project would proceed. There had been serious concern about the ultimate approval of what heretofore would have been a routine, no-brainer project for the betterment of our state and our workers. But the sad tale of what has recently happened to this highly successful industry and jobs incentive program under the John Bel Edwards’ administration bodes ill for future industrial development in Louisiana.

The tale begins over eighty years ago and ends at the present day as an expose on John Bel Edwards’ poor leadership and the dangers posed by Louisiana Democrats’ adoption of progressive-socialist ideology. Here’s why every worker and his or her family members should shudder whenever any local governing agency with taxing authority decides to cast a bureaucratic eye at an employer’s application for local tax relief via an ITEP exemption:

It is the early 1930’s and Huey Long’s populist “share-the-wealth” agenda is well underway in Louisiana. Gov. Long’s constant rants against the major oil companies during the worst depression in American history have rewarded him with almost total political power within the state. He uses this power to slash personal and utility tax rates and effectively eliminates personal property taxes for most citizens (read ‘voters’ in Huey’s lexicon) by instituting the homestead exemption, while greatly increasing taxes and fees on industry to make up for the ensuing deficits.

An assassin’s bullet ends Huey Long’s life in 1935, but the damage has been done and the political culture of Louisiana remains populist and hostile to industry for many years afterward. The Great Depression lingers on and by the late 1930’s the political heirs of the Long era have begun to realize that industry now needs an incentive to move to Louisiana.

Enter the Industrial Property Tax Exemption Program (ITEP), first passed in 1936 as a major incentive to draw larger industrial projects to Louisiana to offset the otherwise uncompetitive tax system created by Huey Long. Up until 2016, the ITEP statute gives power to the State Board of Commerce & Industry to grant local property tax exemptions of up to 100% for up to ten years for plant and manufacturing investments. The program is highly successful in attracting new business and encouraging existing business to expand or retain their operations in Louisiana.

Now it is true that critics have attacked ITEP because the state granted the local tax exemptions without local government approval, but recall that ITEP was intended to reduce employers’ overall cost of doing business in Louisiana in order to offset the many disadvantages of doing business here- the high taxes and fees, state and local government hostility to business and the resulting awful legal climate, the high crime rates and the poor public services and schools, etc. ITEP was and is an attempt to compensate for these factors by leveling the playing field for any employer building or expanding in Louisiana, and it has succeeded in doing just what it was intended to do.

Contrary to what opponents have claimed, ITEP never gives state or local money to industry; rather, it simply defers local property taxes. What it does do is stimulate investment and create thousands of jobs which generate additional sales, income and other taxes from the moment construction begins on the approved projects, many of which would not otherwise be located in Louisiana.

But it is now 2016 and the state has a new governor, a trial lawyer with little business experience and member of a Democrat Party increasingly controlled by vocal socialist-progressives. John Bel Edwards is under strong pressure from Together Louisiana and other far-left organizations to sign an executive order giving partial control of ITEP exemptions to various local taxing authorities, from parish councils and police juries all the way down to local school boards.

Under the new ITEP rules, these local governments must pass resolutions in support of the proposed projects before the ITEP local property tax exemption can be finally approved by the State Board of Commerce & Industry. Unfortunately, many of the officials on these councils and boards are left-wing political ideologues who also have little or no business experience and don’t comprehend the reasoning behind the creation of ITEP in the first place.

Together Louisiana begins agitating against the granting of ITEP applications unless absurd job and wage guarantees are included in the application which more than nullify the tax benefits, and soon finds a willing accomplice in the East Baton Rouge School Board. The EBR School Board promptly balks at granting a proposed ITEP tax exemption filed by Exxon/Mobil, which happens to be the largest employer in the Baton Rouge metro area.

To understand the dangerous absurdity of what recently happened to Exxon/Mobil this past January, you must also know that this particular project had already been completed and Exxon/Mobil had been assured that it would be grandfathered in under the pre-2016 ITEP rules. This obviously did not happen after Together Louisiana reared its leftist head. Although the larger mega-project just received approval this last week, it is important to note that that project’s request for a tax exemption had been grandfathered in under the pre-2016 rules.

Future projects seeking ITEP approval can no longer be grandfathered in under the pre-2016 rules, of course, and local property tax abatement as a reward for locating or expanding industry in Louisiana has just become a political football on the most uneven playing field in America, our own dear Louisiana. Thanks to Gov. Edwards, the ITEP tax exemption program has become hostage to Together Louisiana and the far left elected officials who so love to grandstand with their anti-corporate vitriol, as industry executives throughout the nation and beyond have no doubt noted by now.

Louisiana needs all the help it can get to attract or even retain the industry it has, as our very poor comparative growth rate and loss of population attest. Over the last three years of the John Bel Edwards’ administration, vast swathes of the state have deteriorated significantly and the quality of life of our citizenry has fallen ever further behind that of our prospering neighbors.

Tinkering with one of the state’s most successful industry attraction programs in order to placate Louisiana Democrats was a political mistake of the worst sort for the worst of reasons. As it now stands, as older projects in Louisiana are completed, fewer and fewer new ones have been scheduled to replace them. The uncertain status of ITEP is a major reason why, and all Louisianians will suffer as a result.

This mess was predictable and preventable, but apparently not by a governor beholden to the Louisiana Democrat Party. Perhaps our Republican delegation in the legislature can reverse the damage to the ITEP program in the 2019 legislative session, but better still to have a new, REPUBLICAN Governor on January 13, 2020!

Louis Gurvich, Chairman
Republican Party of Louisiana

RGA: John Bel Edwards: Great for Texas, Bad for Louisiana

The Republican Governor’s Association has put out a YouTube video highlighting the stellar performance (pun intended), of our own Cajun Obama, “Honor Code” John Bel Edwards. The video highlights the state of the economy and business climate here in the Pelican State.

Republican Party of Louisiana Files Public Records Request Regarding Governor John Bel Edwards’ Louisiana Statewide Business Summit

Monday, February 18, 2019

(Baton Rouge, LA): Today the Republican Party of Louisiana submitted a public records request for any and all correspondence related to Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards’ Louisiana Statewide Business Summit to discern whether the governor is using it as a taxpayer-funded campaign event to bolster his re-election efforts. A copy of the request can be found here.

This request comes as Governor Edwards has faced a slew of bad headlines in recent weeks regarding his lackluster performance on the economy leading up to his announcement of the summit. This, along with the fact that many of the event’s speakers are either donors or employees of Edwards, raises questions of whether he is using his summit as a publicly-funded campaign event.

“On the heels of one negative story after another highlighting the poor state of Louisiana’s economy under the leadership of Governor Edwards, the Governor appears to have organized this summit for the benefit of his re-election efforts on the taxpayer’s dime,” said Chairman Louis Gurvich. “Our elected leaders should not be using taxpayer funds to further their personal political objectives. The timing and choice of speakers at this summit raises serious questions for Governor Edwards, and the people of Louisiana deserve answers.”

A Brief Timeline of Negative News Stories:

January 28 – “In a November 2015 debate, both Edwards and his Republican runoff challenger, then-U.S. Sen. David Vitter, said they wouldn’t raise tax rates on businesses or individuals. They talked of very similar plans to make government more efficient, remove protections that keep some areas of the budget off-limits to cuts and scale back tax break programs. Tax rates under Edwards, however, were raised.” (AP: In re-election bid, Edwards to face tax scrutiny)

January 30 – Louisiana ranked the worst state in the country for where to find a job. (Zippia: THESE ARE THE 10 BEST STATES IN AMERICA FOR JOBS)

January 30 – “Until then we live with Gov. Edwards’ ‘Texas Plan’ that was evident in a post by Baton Rouge ex-pat Branon Pesnell, who now does real estate in Houston: ‘I am one of the 55,000 who moved out of the state (2016-2018) partly because of this type of short-sighted thinking. Decisions like this will have long-term impact on the Louisiana’s ability to recruit and keep business. The door is open in Texas, come on in!’” (Greater Baton Rouge Business Journal: Publisher: Governor’s ITEP change helps Texas)

February 4 – “Stephen Waguespack, president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, said Monday at the Press Club of Baton Rouge [ITEP] is ‘broken’…” (Advocate: LABI, Louisiana's largest business lobby, wants changes for ITEP tax)

February 4 – “But Edwards isn’t interested in changing the rules, saying Louisiana remains competitive in business development.” (AP: Louisiana leaders divided on industrial tax break)

February 9 – “Even when watered down by a Republican-led Legislature, his policies over the past three years have produced tax hikes and 40 percent higher state spending. Louisiana has one of the worst economies in the country with almost no net new jobs created.” (Advocate: Jeff Sadow: Look behind the spin put on Gov. Edward's polling numbers)

February 13 – John Bel Edwards announces Louisiana Statewide Business Summit (Advocate:Louisiana Statewide Business Summit to highlight economic development success stories) 

Administration Easing Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Rules

Photo source: Rigzone

A 48-page notice from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement published Friday in the Federal Register says the agency “has become aware that certain provisions in that rulemaking created potentially unduly burdensome requirements for oil and natural gas production operators … without meaningfully increasing safety of the workers or protection of the environment.”

An offshore drilling industry group said it’s a positive step.

Read more:  Administration easing offshore oil and gas drilling rules

The LAGOP Endorses Clay Higgins for Congress

Photo source: Facebook 

The LAGOP Endorses Clay Higgins for CongressThe Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Louisiana, Friday, announced its official endorsement of Clay Higgins for Louisiana's third congressional district.

“No one is more conservative and more reflective of the citizens that live in the third congressional district than Congressman Clay Higgins,” Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Louis Gurvich said. “President Donald Trump, the Executive Committee of the LAGOP, and I encourage all conservatives in the third congressional district to vote for Clay Higgins in the upcoming midterm election.”

Clay Higgins is a true 'Cajun conservative,' he believes in a strong national defense, and he's working around the clock to make sure that our borders are impenetrable. He also has a no-nonsense attitude towards government waste and unconstitutional federal overreach.

Rep. Higgins is still just as much of the Acadian he was back when he started his first term. Rep. Higgins makes it very clear to anyone he speaks with that he does not take part in the toxic D.C. culture. "I don't live in D.C.," he often proclaims, "I may from time to time sleep in D.C., but I live in Acadiana."

One of Rep. Higgins core beliefs is that he was sent to D.C. to represent his constituents and not special interest lobbyists. Constituents of the third congressional district should feel confident that Rep. Higgins will be one of the few in Congress who are fighting to drain the swamp in D.C. once and for all.

In 1979 Clay Higgins enlisted into the Louisiana National Guard where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. Later in life, he became an officer of the law in St. Landry Parish, which is where he became known as 'America's toughest cop, Captain Clay Higgins.' He is a man of service, no doubt about it.

Rep. Higgins' voting record is one of a reliable conservative, he voted to repeal Obamacare, voted for president Trump's tax cuts, and has been a faithful defender of our constitution. So we are encouraging you to join us this midterm election and re-elect Clay Higgins to represent Louisiana's third congressional district.

Open Letter to Governor John Bel Edwards - Hand Delivered to Governor Edwards on Thursday, June 7, 2018

Third Special Session starts June 18th

Louisiana House Republicans

Sponsored ⋅ Paid for by Louisiana House Republican Delegation ·

Governor Edwards,

On behalf of the Republican Delegation of the Louisiana House of Representatives and the millions of Louisiana residents we represent, we ask that you put careful consideration into the scope and inclusions of your call for our third extraordinary session of 2018 to include structural budgetary reform and cost savings measures in lieu of taxes alone.

While it is your right as the chief executive of the state to set the agenda for any special legislative session that you call, we ask that you consider the results of the two previous special sessions and know that our constituents continue to resoundingly tell us that state government should live within its means.

We agree in the necessity of funding our essential priorities. We also believe that it is necessary to enact transparent budgeting and spending policies and reduce the size of state government.

We sincerely hope that you will consider supporting and including the following bipartisan solutions in your call. To ask for taxes without reform could very well yield a similar result to previous attempts at the same.

- Sign SB13 (Ward) - The Louisiana Checkbook.

- Reconsider HB12 & HB15 from the first special session of 2018 (Barras) - Provides for changes in the expenditure limit calculation.

- Give the legislative auditor the authority to audit the records of any state agency for the purpose of auditing programs that expend taxpayer funds and ensuring legal compliance.

Before we enact yet another tax, it is imperative that the taxpayers see that you are willing to allow the legislature the ability to identify areas of waste, fraud, and abuse in addition to allowing for a transparent and savings-minded approach to government spending.

We remain committed to the principles our constituents sent us to Baton Rouge to stand for. We also believe our constituents expect us to work for solutions that ensure Louisiana government funds its critical priorities, as demonstrated by our continued efforts to meet you more than half-way. We remain committed to working in good faith for the betterment of Louisiana.

It’s Amazing What Happens When the Economy is Unshackled from Democrats

Photo source: Rigzone

Jerry Morales, the mayor of Midland, Texas, and a local restaurateur, is being whipsawed by the latest Permian Basin shale-oil boom.

It’s fueling the region and starving it at the same time. Sales-tax revenue is hitting a record high, allowing the city to get around to fixing busted roads. But the crazy-low 2.1 percent unemployment rate is a bear. As the proprietor of Mulberry Cafe and Gerardo’s Casita, Morales is working hard to retain cooks. As a Republican first elected in 2014, he oversees a government payroll 200 employees short of what it needs to fully function.

“This economy is on fire,” he said from a back table at the cafe the other day, watching as the lunchtime crowd lined up for the Asian Zing Salad and Big Mo’s Toaster hamburger

Read more:  Shale Country Dangles 100% Pay Raises as Labor Market Runs Dry

Gonsoulin Announces Candidacy for Louisiana House Seat

Photo source: YouTube 

Ricky Gonsoulin, New Iberia resident and Iberia Parish Councilman, has announced via YouTube his intentions to seek the Louisiana House Seat in District 48. The seat is currently being held by Speaker of the House, Taylor Barras, who is term limited. 

AFP-Louisiana Releases Statement on Conclusion of Special Session

Group commends lawmakers on principled stand against tax increases

Photo source: AFP Twitter

BATON ROUGE, La. - Americans for Prosperity-Louisiana (AFP-LA) State Director John Kay released the following statement Monday night after legislators adjourned from special session:

"We applaud House members for taking a principled stand against tax increases. Having no tax increases advance is a win for Louisianans.

"This should be a clear message to the governor that another legislative session that wastes taxpayer money is not welcomed. They should refuse to adjourn another session and force government to live within it's means."

Julie Stokes Announces Candidacy for Secretary of State

Through an email announcement and YouTube video, Louisiana State Representative Julie Stokes has announced her candidacy for the open Secretary of State position in Baton Rouge:

“With the blessings and encouragement of family, friends, constituents, and doctors, I am announcing my candidacy to become our next Secretary of State.  I have tremendous respect for the proud history of this office, its role in protecting the integrity of our election system, and the service it provides to entrepreneurs.  I will strive to improve upon what I can, remove the obstacles that drag the office back, restore morale across the entire department, and ensure that our elections are fair, honest, secure, and carried out with professionalism.  Being a CPA, small business owner, and reform-minded legislator,  I am prepared for this challenge and expect to take this office to new heights for the citizens of Louisiana.” - State Representative Julie Stokes (R-Louisiana)

LAGOP MEMO: KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM SATURDAY’S VICTORIES

Photo source: LAGOP

As the voters overwhelmingly confirmed on November 8th – and reaffirmed on Saturday, Louisiana is a solidly Republican state. The overwhelming success enjoyed by Republicans in the runoff – spearheaded by John Kennedy’s election to the United States Senate, affirmatively shows that President-Elect Donald J. Trump’s twenty-point victory over Hillary Clinton in Louisiana was no fluke. The last month has proved that John Bel Edwards’ victory in 2015 was the fluke. The people of Louisiana have entrusted Republicans with their most important offices in almost every single major election since 2007. Here are some key takeaways from our overwhelming victories on Saturday:

A UNITED LAGOP/NRSC/RNC EFFORT MADE MORE THAN 600,000 VOTER CONTACTS

The LAGOP’s policies and our efforts to get out the vote are both winning. The LAGOP proudly worked hand-in-hand with the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Republican National Committee to build an unprecedented ground game and field operation.

During the runoff election alone:

·Republicans made more than 600,000 voter contacts by reaching voters through live phone calls and at their door;

·Republicans mailed nearly 1 million pieces of mail.

As the NRSC, RNC and LAGOP were busy setting up ten field offices across our state and assembling nearly 100 field staffers, the Democrats were busy dodging questions on the Louisiana Senate race. While the NRSC and RNC were eager to ensure that the Republicans won a 52nd Senate seat, the national Democrats were already on holiday vacation.

The National Democrats’ disregard for Louisiana would be embarrassing if it were not so emblematic of the Louisiana Democrat Party’s prospects for the future. The way national Democrats abandoned Foster Campbell is in stark contrast to the devotion and the commitment of national Republicans. As such, John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Democrats now face a stark and devastating question: if their national counterparts won’t even buy into their agenda and leadership, why will Louisiana voters, now that they have seen the effects of just one year of John Bel Edwards?

PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP AND VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT PENCE GOT OUT THE VOTE

President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence – who headlined two rallies for our candidates in as many weeks, had a tremendous impact on our success in the runoff because the voters of this state want conservative warriors to join them in Making America Great Again.

The same experts who predicted the demise of the Republican Party and the Republican brand this year now have a responsibility to acknowledge that the American people are clearly ready—and have voted—for conservative, Republican leadership.

LOUSIANA DEMOCRATS HAVE NO BENCH

According to Google, "In sports, having a deep bench means having a large number of very talented players." At first glance, it's hard to even see a bench for Louisiana Democrats except for the one at the bus stop near their "Government Street" headquarters. "Rising stars" such as Caroline Fayard and Stephen Ortego have been rejected by Louisiana voters. The national Democrat Party has the same problem: Their early 2020 presidential bench consists of Joe Biden, Tim Kaine and some guy named "Castro."

EDWARDS’ ENDORSEMENTS ARE TOXIC

Democrats like Foster Campbell didn’t just lose Saturday because of the D beside their name – they lost because of their toxic ties to John Bel Edwards’ failed liberal policies. John Bel Edwards could not have been more effusive in his endorsement of his friend Foster Campbell, and loaned his entire campaign team to the losing effort. Campbell’s lopsided loss and anemic showing is even more evidence that John Bel Edwards’ election was the fluke—a mere blip on the radar of Republican dominance in Louisiana.

In November and on Saturday, Louisiana voters could not have made it more clear that they resoundingly reject John Bel Edwards’ reckless fiscal policies, tax hikes and incessant desire to raid the pockets of hardworking Louisianans instead of addressing the real problems. In November, his candidate for public service commissioner failed to even force a runoff. On Saturday, his endorsed federal candidates failed to crack 40 percent of the vote. As Edwards went 0 for 4 in multi-parish races this fall, it is evident that his endorsement will only further motivate voters to vote against his failed agenda. John Bel Edwards’ days are numbered in the Governor’s office, and state Democrats will soon be running from Edwards’ coattails, not riding on them.

The Republican Party of Louisiana, therefore, strongly encourages the Governor to make even more endorsements in 2017, and beyond.

Jason Doré  - LAGOP