Fund For Louisiana’s Future Still Playing Nice

Photo source: The Advocate 

Recently, Cajunconservatism.com reported on the Super PAC’s influence in the race to be Louisiana’s next Governor. There are at least five Super PAC’s trying to impact the race, and four of the five have already been on TV. 

The Louisiana Water Coalition PAC is by far the most aggressive, which is somewhat of a surprise to observers who expected former Bill Cassidy Campaign Manager and the Fund for Louisiana’s Future (FFLF) Executive Director Joel Digrado to use their millions taking Vitter’s opponents to the woodshed. After all, Digrado is the one I’ve heard was behind Vitter’s vicious 2010 ad on illegals. Their ads to date have been tame or non-existent so far. 

The Water Coalition, who says they are not affiliated with any individual campaign, continues to attack U.S. Senator David Vitter. Most recently, they are going after a former staff member who has since been fired but pled guilty to charges regarding an attack on an ex-girlfriend (even though the charges were dropped and the staff member was fired).

The Water Coalition PAC claims to be impartial, although they are promoting the candidacy of John Bel Edwards, Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne on their website betterthanvitter.com. 

The FFLF appears to only be running an ad depicting Angelle and Dardenne as used car salesmen for the use of state cars. Cajunconservatism.com would give this ad a “C+”. We’ve also seen an online ad from the FFLF hitting Scott Angelle for his role in the Bayou Corne Sinkhole. The ad shows Angelle as negligent and a quitter in regards to the Bayou Corne Sinkhole. This ad seems to be very strong and we would give it an “A,” however it does not seem to be up on television in the major TV markets and FFLF isn’t going to move Angelle or Dardenne numbers with online email buys.

We will continue to monitor the advertising traffic for each of the candidates as well as the Super PACs as we enter the final month of the primary. 

Scott Angelle’s $380,000 Sunoco Job He Doesn’t Want You to Know About

Why won’t Angelle tell anyone about his job with Sunoco

Scott Angelle has been receiving huge sums of compensation, $380,000 a year, for services he provides to Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. since 2012, yet Louisianians know nothing about this job. Recently, when questioned about his involvement with this company, he dodged the questions, even going so far as to provide falsified information to conceal the facts.

• Angelle was asked about his $380,000 job with Sunoco:

ANGELLE: “I don’t have a job, I’m on the board of directors for a company called Sunoco Logistics.”

• Angelle was asked if he got the job while serving as DNR secretary.

ANGELLE: “No.”     

• Angelle was asked if the company he works for did business with Louisiana.

ANGELLE: “Not that I’m aware of.”

• Angelle was asked if he thought his Sunoco job was a conflict of interest to his jobs in Louisiana.

ANGELLE: “No. I do not.”

                                      
More information below.

SCOTT ANGELLE SUNOCO’S INSIDER

Scott A. Angelle has been receiving huge sums of compensation for services he provides to Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. since 2012.

Recently, when questioned about his involvement with this company, he dodged the questions, even going as far as to provide falsified information to conceal the facts.

ANGELLE dodges on compensation:

FACT: Scott has made well over a half a million dollars in compensation for his work at Sunoco.

• Starting in 2013, Angelle’s Annual Compensation From Sunoco Was $380,705. (Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P., Form 10-K, Annual Report, United States Securities And Exchange Commission, Filed 2/27/14)

ANGELLE denies Sunoco recruited him for the job while he was Secretary of DNR:

FACT: During a late 2011 trip to Dallas, while serving as the head of DNR, Scott’s official itinerary states that his official business that day was to meet with “Energy Transfer Company,” Sunoco’s parent company. He stayed less than a mile away from Energy Transfer’s Dallas office and was reimbursed $329.67 by Louisiana’s tax payers.

Scott stepped down from his position at DNR in late 2012 and before the year was finished was sitting on Sunoco’s board of directors.

In October 2011, Angelle Expensed A DNR Trip To Meet With “Energy Transfer Company” In Dallas, TX

Angelle’s Travel Itinerary Shows He Traveled To Dallas In October 2011 To Meet With “Energy Transfer Company.” (Scott Angelle, Travel Itinerary, 10/13/11)

ANGELLE lied and said Sunoco did no business with the state while he was at DNR:

FACT: Scott’s assertion that Sunoco, and its parent company Energy Transfer, had no business before the state during his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources is a lie. 

ETP has been a publically traded company since 2004.  Beyond Scott having an official meeting in 2011 while holding the position of DNR secretary at their Dallas office, Sunoco, ETP, and ETE own multiple significant energy related assets in the state of Louisiana and have to file thousands of reports with DNR.

Sunoco Has A Financial Interest In A Pipeline System That Runs Through Louisiana

Sunoco Has “A Controlling Financial Interest In The Mid-Valley Pipeline System Which Owns Approximately 1,000 Miles Of Crude Oil Pipelines” That Passes Through Louisiana.  “We have a controlling financial interest in the Mid-Valley pipeline system which owns approximately 1,000 miles of crude oil pipelines that originate in Longview, Texas and pass through Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio, and terminate in Samaria, Michigan.” (Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P., Form 10-K, Annual Report, United States Securities And Exchange Commission, Filed 2/26/15)

In 2014, Sunoco Reported Owning 1 Active Terminal In Louisiana, With A Storage Capacity of 161,000 Barrels. (Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P., Form 10-K, Annual Report, United States Securities And Exchange Commission, Filed 2/26/15)

ANGELLE Denies there is a conflict of interest with his current LPSC position and his job at Sunoco:

FACTS: The LPSC is a public utility regulatory agency that also describes itself as having the jurisdiction to regulate pipelines.

http://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/aboutlpsc.aspx

Angelle was elected to the LPSC late in 2012, at the same time that he was appointed by ETP to serve on Sunoco’s executive board “SUNOCO LOGISTICS PARTNERS L.P. Form 10-K." 2012. (Pg. 118). Coincidence? http://www.sunocologistics.com/SiteData/docs/SXLForm10K/998b1e2034c4a878/SXL%20Form%2010-K%202012%20FINAL.pdf.

Sunoco has some major pipeline projects expected to come online in Louisiana in the very near future. These projects were announced in August 2014.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2014/08/07/permians-oil-surge-creates-need-for-pipelines/

http://www.sunocologistics.com/pela/

In February 2015, the LPSC voted to expand its authority over all entities engaged in the transportation of petroleum by pipeline, like the ones that ETP and Sunoco utilize in their business endeavors. Angelle was serving on the PSC board when Sunoco announced the new projects and when the PSC gave themselves more authority. Was Scott Angelle making backroom deals to get this done?

 http://lpscstar.louisiana.gov/star/ViewFile.aspx?Id=a909fc03-9b1f-42c9-bdad-2b807c049bb5.

Scott Angelle avoided this vote by conveniently being absent from the room as the votes were taken, returning shortly after completion to continue the commission’s business. If it’s not a conflict of interest, why didn’t he vote? If it is a conflict of interest, why is he still getting paid by Sunoco while serving on the PSC?

http://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/_docs/_Minutes/2%2026%202015%20BE%20Minutes.pdf                                    

WHY IS SCOTT ANGELLE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT SUNOCO: Is Scott Angelle Sunoco’s Louisiana insider to get them sweetheart deals through his elected position on the LPSC? Did Scott Angelle help get Sunoco’s new projects for Louisiana approved in any way? Why would ETP, and the top executives of the company, be pumping $80,000 of campaign contributions into his campaign for Governor?

Washington Parish Republican Party Endorses Jeff Landry

FRANKLINTON, LA – Today, the Washington Republican Parish Executive Committee (RPEC) announced that they have voted to endorse Jeff Landry for Louisiana Attorney General.

In making the announcement - Washington RPEC Chairman Darryl Peterson said, “Many elections are on the ballot this October, but the race for Attorney General is among the most crucial. In today’s climate, both legal and economic, Louisiana needs an Attorney General who will clean up our state’s legal environment that is currently ranked second worst in the nation. Further, we need an Attorney General with a proven record of job creation taking a business approach to the office. Jeff’s years as a corporate attorney representing job creators and creating jobs on his own as a small business owner are exactly the credentials we need at this junction.”

In receiving the endorsement - Jeff Landry said, “I am humbled to have the support of the Washington RPEC. These elected leaders at the local level embody the principles of our Party. They - like many Republicans, Democrats, and Independents across the state - have grown tired of the status quo, incumbent office holders and are hungry for a change to principled governance that focuses on the issues facing our families and businesses every day. Our current legal environment in Louisiana has driven jobs and industry out of our state; and it’s time for an Attorney General who will take an approach that encourages economic growth and who will put Louisiana first. Louisiana is a good state; together, we can make it great.” 

Landry has also been endorsed by the Republican Party of Louisiana, the pro-life Family Research Council Action, Gun Owners of America, Gator PAC, Congressman John Fleming, Congressman Steve Scalise, Colonel Rob Maness, the Louisiana Young Republican Federation, and the College Republicans at Louisiana State University.

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Jeff Landry is a lifelong Republican. Landry is the son of working class parents. Landry worked as a local police officer and Sheriff’s Deputy. A veteran, Landry served as a Military Police officer during his decorated service in the Louisiana National Guard. Landry went on to own and run a successful small business in the oil and gas industry. After earning a law degree from Loyola, Landry served as a business attorney helping job creators in Louisiana. For two years, Landry also served as a conservative lawmaker working against federal overreach while representing Louisiana in Congress.

Fund for Louisiana's Future Releases "Salesmen" Video

The Fund for Louisiana's Future has released another video, this time highlighting the spending habits that Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne have had regarding vehicles bought and maintained by taxpayer money. 

Super PAC Influence in Louisiana Gubernatorial Race Mediocre or Worse So Far

Photo source: NOLA

Super PAC’s influence in the race to be Louisiana’s next Governor is still uncertain. There are at least five Super PAC’s trying to impact the race, and four of the five have already been on TV.

The latest, the Louisiana Water Coalition PAC, made a substantial media buy aggressively going after U.S. Senator David Vitter’s past. Their ad has seemed to generate the most media buzz, and therefore probably having the most impact. The Water Coalition PAC claims to be impartial, although they are promoting the candidacy of John Bel Edwards, Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne on their website betterthanvitter.com.

The Fund for Louisiana Future, the Super PAC supporting Vitter, has been missing from the mix for the most part. There was much anticipation over how aggressively they would attack Vitter’s opponents, but thus far they have been quiet and largely unimpressive. They started with a positive ad, which seemed counter intuitive given that Vitter was running positive at the same time, and then transitioned into a weak attack on Dardenne and Angelle over taxes. It’s hard to believe that internet sales tax will be moving numbers for voters.

We will continue to monitor the advertising traffic for each of the candidates as well as the Super PACs, and we can only hope it gets more interesting.

Updated: Acadiana source says Angelle's Super PAC has increased their ad buy attacking Vitter to over $500,000. 

Ragin’ Cajuns™ Genuine Louisiana Ale to be Served at UL Games

Photo source: louisiana.edu

Bayou Teche Brewing and the University of Louisiana have teamed up to offer the new Ragin’ Cajuns™ Genuine Louisiana Ale at the first home game of the year this weekend in Lafayette.  The beer has already started being served at several establishments and will be offered on tap for the weekend's activities.

Read more: Ragin’ Cajuns™ Genuine Louisiana Ale now on tap

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.

Fund for Louisiana's Future Releases "Common" Video

The Fund for Louisiana's Future released a video highlighting Jay Dardenne's and Scott Angelle's support for higher taxes today. 

Jeff Landry Files for October 24th Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday September 8, 2015 

CONTACT: Millard Mule, 337-313-4537 or news@landryforlouisiana.com

BATON ROUGE, LA - Joined by his wife Sharon and their son JT - former Congressman, veteran, and attorney Jeff Landry today filed the paperwork to seek election as Louisiana's next Attorney General. After qualifying, Landry issued the following statement:

"I have served our nation in uniform, kept our neighborhoods safe as a law enforcement officer, and employed hundreds as a small business owner. I have worked with job creators as corporate lawyer at one of the state's top firms. I have written and defended laws as a conservative Member of Congress. As the next Attorney General, I will utilize my vast experience to protect our families, our freedoms, and the rule of law. I will end Caldwell's scandalous era of corruption, nepotism, and cronysim; and I will bring honesty, integrity, and hard work to the Attorney General's Office."

Landry has already been endorsed by the Republican Party of Louisiana, Congressman Steve Scalise, Congressman John Fleming, Colonel Rob Maness (retired), Family Research Council Action, and other local and national conservative leaders. He is expected to announce several other endorsements as Election Day nears.

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Solution Fund PAC Fundraiser Scheduled on 9/24/15

On 9/24 at the Camelot Club in Baton Rouge, LA, the Solution Fund PAC, who is supporting Jeff Landry in his bid for Louisiana Attorney General, will be holding a fundraiser.  The details of the event are below:

9/24/2015   5:30 PM TO 8:00 PM
CAMELOT CLUB
FLOOR 21
CHASE SOUTH TOWER
451 FLORIDA ST
BATON ROUGE, LA

Information on Solution Fund PAC can be found at WWW.STOPTHEBUDDYSYSTEM.COM.

Vitter Again Urges Mayor Landrieu to Focus On Murders, Not Monuments

For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
September 4, 2015
504-779-3771

 Vitter responds to Landrieu mass email

(Metairie, La.) – David Vitter today sent a letter to New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu urging him to unite our community by focusing on murders, not monuments. The letter is in response to a racially charged email blast by Mayor Landrieu this week. 

A copy of Vitter’s letter from today is below. 

September 4, 2015

The Honorable Mitch Landrieu
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112

Dear Mitch:

A friend forwarded me your mass email, attached.

Really, Mitch?

I have said many times, and I repeat again, that I think you should unite our community by focusing on murders, not monuments.

114 of our fellow citizens have been murdered in New Orleans already this year.  Lester Johnson was gunned down in his driveway in New Orleans East on Wednesday morning. 

Rather than taking strong, bold action on the out-of-control crime problem, however, you send out a hateful email to create a distraction and play the race card. It attacks and insults not just me, but countless concerned citizens who feel as I do. That's not leadership, it's pure political cynicism.

Wake up, Mitch. The monuments aren't murdering our family members and neighbors. Focus. Lead. Unite. Track down those who are.

Sincerely,

David Vitter

A copy of Landrieu's email from September 3rd is below:

"Yesterday, a panel of New Orleans residents on the Vieux Carré Commission took a big step towards removing the Liberty Place monument.

However, at the same time, Senator David Vitter and David Duke, the former Ku Klux Klansman, doubled down on their efforts to keep this monument, fighting to preserve the last vestiges of white supremacy rather than honoring the great diversity that defines us today.

Tell David Vitter and David Duke that this monument has no place in New Orleans.

The history of the Battle of Liberty Place monument goes back to 1874, when a group of radical ex-Confederates launched a coup against the racially-integrated Reconstruction government of Louisiana, forming a militia and storming New Orleans. The mob attacked a force made up of the integrated Metropolitan Police force and state militia and killed police officers and innocent bystanders.

In 1886, private groups erected this monument to honor the members of the White League that were killed in the Battle of Liberty Place — not the police officers or the innocent bystanders.

Why David Vitter and David Duke are defending this monument is beyond me.

Our state has always been a place that honors the lives of law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty. But this monument stands in direct contrast to those ideals.

The ideals represented in this monument never belonged in a city as great as New Orleans, where diversity is our lifeblood. It’s time we chart a future of togetherness, not division.

Sign on now to add your support in removing this monument erected in honor of those who killed police officers.

We have to make our voices heard over the noise of opponents like David Vitter and David Duke.

Let’s start by removing the Liberty Place monument.

Sincerely,

Mitch Landrieu

Rick Santorum in Lafayette This Week for Fundraiser

Rick Santorum, Republican candidate for President, has announced a fundraiser in Lafayette for the 10th of September at the Petroleum Club.  Information on the meeting can be found here.

Solutions Fund PAC Supporting Jeff Landry in AG Race

A newly formed PAC is coming out in support of Jeff Landry in his bid to defeat Buddy Caldwell in the Louisiana Attorney General's race.  This group touts Caldwell's liberal past and Landry's conservative credentials. 

Information can be found here on this group.

The Truth Behind State Cars

For Immediate Release                                                        
Contact: Luke Bolar
September 2, 2015
504-779-3771

On August 31, an Advocate article entitled, “Gubernatorial candidates focus on reducing state vehicle fleet,” featured David Vitter’s TV ad talking about eliminating thousands of unnecessary state cars. There are currently 10,832 state cars costing Louisiana taxpayers $232 million.

• Watch Vitter’s TV Ad: “The Right Team”
• Read Vitter’s plan for stabilizing the budget.

Vitter’s Republican Opponents, Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne, both chimed in on state cars.

What Angelle Says:

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, R-Breaux Bridge said, “I know how to manage an auto fleet. We’ll be lean, efficient and maximize our resources.”

What Angelle Does:

• Angelle drove a state Dodge Durango paid for by Louisiana taxpayers as DNR Secretary. [1]
• Angelle receives an $8400 ($700/month) annual taxpayer funded car allowance as a PSC Commissioner. [2]
• Comparable: Leasing a Toyota Camry costs roughly $1500 per year ($130/month for 36 months)
• Comparable: Leasing a Porsche starts at $7200 (depending on model, ranges between $600-$1000/ month for 27 months)
• Figures based on truecar.com for Louisiana.
• Angelle voted to keep all of the Public Service Commission cars which are paid for by the taxpayers.  There are five PSC Commissioners, but they have 14 cars. [3]

What Jay Dardenne Says:

Republican Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, of Baton Rouge, warned against pursuing a one-size-fits-all approach. “We should examine every cost-saving possibility and implement those that save taxpayers the most money,” he said.

What Jay Dardenne Does:

• Dardenne receives $8400 ($700/month) annual taxpayer funded car allowance to drive 3.4 miles to work. [4] 
• Dardenne continues to receive the allowance even though he gets driven around Louisiana by State Police. He even uses the police escort for campaign events. [5]
• Since 2007, the total Dardenne has received for his car allowance exceeds $70,000.
• Comparable: In Baton Rouge a 2016 Ford F-250 King Ranch costs $64,000
• Comparable: In Baton Rouge a 2014 Porsche SUV costs $64,000

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Citations:

1) Advocate, “Shortfall costs officials raises,” May 24, 2009.
2) Louisiana Human Resources Fringe Benefit Report, 2014
3) Link to vote
4) Letters from Dardenne to the Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater, November 17, 2010. Letter from Dardenne to the Commissioner of Administration Jerry Luke LeBlance, October 30 2006.
5) Link to LSP driving Dardenne; Link to LSP driving Dardenne; Link to Dardenne admitting he uses LSP for campaign events.

Jeff Landry Endorsed by Rob Maness and GatorPAC

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. 

New Vitter TV Ad Highlights Plan to Get Louisiana Out of Common Core

“As governor, I’ll cut the amount of money spent on bureaucracy, and put that money right in the classroom where it belongs. I’ll advance early childhood development and work to increase teacher pay, so we can have the best. And we’ll put parents back in charge," says Vitter. "That's not Common Core. That's common sense!"

Vitter has passed legislation to stop Washington’s dangerous plan to take over how we educate our kids. His legislation, the Local Control of Education Act, will prohibit the federal government from mandating, incentivizing, or coercing states to adopt Common Core standards. It would allow Louisiana to opt out of Common Core and still remain eligible for key federal funding. 

Click here to read Vitter’s entire plan for K-12 education

LSU College Republicans Endorse Jeff Landry for LA Attorney General

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. "

Pro David Vitter PAC Releases "Reformer" Video

The Fund for Louisiana's Future has released the "Reformer" video highlighting Vitter's fight against Obama's policies and his vision for Louisiana's future. 

Ernest Freyou Endorses David Ditch for Parish President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               
Contact: David Ditch
Thursday, August 27, 2015                                                            
Phone: (337) 364-6686
                                                                                                info@ditchforparishpresident.com

Former Parish President calls Ditch “our best hope” to unite our

citizens and provide new leadership for Iberia Parish

New Iberia – Former Parish President Ernest Freyou announced today that he will not run to seek the post he held for 4 years. Instead, he is endorsing David Ditch.

“Now more than ever, we need new leaders; people who understand how to run a business, meet a payroll and a budget. We need leaders who will watch over our tax dollars and implement a smart plan to move Iberia Parish forward. David Ditch is that leader and our best hope to unite the parish.  I’m honored to be supporting him,” said Freyou.

Freyou’s endorsement comes just weeks before the beginning of qualifying on September 8th.

“From our rural communities to our municipalities, we are uniting Iberia Parish by one common theme: it’s time for bold leadership, swift action and conservative principles to put Iberia Parish on a solid footing for generations to come. Support from leaders like Ernest Freyou is yet another indication that our message is gaining momentum and I’m honored and humbled to have his support,” Ditch said.

For more information regarding the campaign, please visit www.ditchforparishpresident.com.

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Sen. David Vitter Releases New Campaign Video - "The Right Team"