LAGOP: John Bel's No Good, Very Bad Week

This week hasn’t been kind to Louisiana’s last liberal standing.

Saturday night capped off a fall election season in which every multi-parish candidate endorsed by Governor John Bel Edwards suffered at least a 20 point defeat at the hands of a Republican. This has left the Governor and his Party asking themselves what they possibly could have done to get a single win on their record. At this point, Gov. Edwards and the Louisiana Democratic Party are looking a lot like the Cleveland Browns.

Coming out of the weekend, the Governor was most likely looking forward to a week where he could get back to talking about raising taxes and how Louisianans aren’t paying their fair share. However, Judge Todd Hernandez of the 19th JDC had other plans. Hernandez handed down a decision delivering a crushing blow to Gov. Edwards’ plan to circumvent the Legislature. The 19th JDC decision affirmed the independence of the Attorney General’s office and it ruled that the Governor cannot act outside the scope of his authority by creating law with the stroke of his pen. This ruling will no doubt make the Governor think twice before overstepping his office for the remainder of his term.

To top off a rough Wednesday, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Charlie Melancon issued his resignation. Gov. Edwards stated that he and Melancon agreed that the agency needed to move in a different direction. This marks the first cabinet secretary to leave Gov. Edwards’ administration, with Melancon lasting just 11 moths in the position. After having two months of transition to initially fill this position, Gov. Edwards scratched the back of a failed political buddy in need of work, and the people of Louisiana suffered. Secretary Melancon leaves as a very unpopular leader of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, with anglers and fishery advocates furious with many of the department’s decisions when it comes to fishing regulations and ending popular programs such as the fish tagging program. Gov. Edwards is now without someone he described as a “tremendous public servant.” We hope that the Governor has learned his lesson about rewarding the good ole boys, and will move to appoint a Secretary who will help Louisiana remain the Sportsman’s Paradise.

Moving to Thursday morning, Governor John Bel Edwards’ controversial push to hire his top campaign supporters to represent the state in lawsuits potentially worth billions of dollars earned Louisiana a spot on the American Tort Reform Foundation's (ATRF) annual “Judicial Hellholes” list. According to the 2016-2017 report released today, the Pelican State is the nation’s seventh-worst Judicial Hellhole. Featured most prominently in the report, is Gov. Edwards’ ongoing effort to hire his top political supporters in government-sponsored litigation to shakedown the oil and gas industry for billions of dollars to restore the state’s eroding coast. Just another example of how the Governor repaying his friends and donors has caused damage to Louisiana’s business climate.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get much worse, the FBI decided to pay a visit to Gov. Edwards’ brother, Sheriff Daniel Edwards of Tangipahoa Parish, raiding the Sheriff’s office. The Tangipahoa Sherriff’s office was raided in regards to warrants related to a nearly one year-old inquiry into a DEA task force accused of stealing cash from drug dealers, selling confiscated narcotics and tampering with witnesses. The Governor’s brother has been the Sheriff of Tangipahoa Parish for more than 12 years.

This week certainly could not end soon enough for Governor Edwards. Ironically, Republicans are also anxious to kick off next week, albeit for different reasons. On Monday, Louisiana’s 8 Republican Electors will meet at the State Capitol to cast their Electoral College votes for President-elect Donald J. Trump. Another reminder to Louisiana’s last liberal standing that Louisiana is a ruby red state, and his days in the Governor’s Mansion are numbered.

Judge Rules in Favor of Attorney General Jeff Landry, Blocks Governor John Bel Edwards’ Overreach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Judge Rules in Favor of Attorney General Jeff Landry, Blocks Governor John Bel Edwards’ Overreach

BATON ROUGE, LA – A district court has declared that Governor John Bel Edwards unconstitutionally side-stepped the Legislature and created law, ruling that Executive Order No. JBE 16-11 is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced.

19th Judicial District Court Judge Todd Hernandez today affirmed the constitutional independence of the Attorney General’s office and noted that a Governor cannot act outside the scope of his authority by creating law with the stroke of his pen.

“I applaud Judge Hernandez for basing his ruling on the law, not politics,” said General Landry. “My challenge has always been about upholding the checks and balances on executive authority as established in our State Constitution.”

“In the last eight years, outgoing President Barack Obama has used a phone and a pen to advance an unpopular agenda that he could not get Congress to support,” continued General Landry. “Repeatedly, courts have struck down his actions noting the President cannot simply sidestep the people’s elected Representatives in Congress. Now, John Bel Edwards is using the same Washington-style politics and games here in Louisiana.”

“After efforts to advance his extreme agenda failed by large bipartisan majorities in the Legislature, John Bel Edwards took it upon himself to replace the people’s will with his own. Fortunately for the families and businesses in our State, the court ruled today that the Governor’s executive fiat will not fly in Louisiana,” added General Landry. “We do not live under a King in Louisiana; we have a Governor, an independent Attorney General, an elected Legislature, and a Court system who are all involved in governance along with others. Governor Edwards must live within the Constitution.”

“I am pleased that the Court has enjoined the enforcement of John Bel’s executive order,” concluded General Landry. “My office and I will continue to stand up for our Constitution and the democratic process.”

Judge rules exactly as AG Landry argued as it relates to contracts

Attorney General Jeff Landry has legal right and discretion to approve outside attorneys appointed to represent the State of Louisiana. General Landry has the constitutional right to intervene in any case after approval of counsel: “It is this court’s finding that the specific legislative authority promulgated in La. R.S. 42:262 and La. R.S. 49:258 provides that the office of the attorney general is vested with the authority to use his/her discretion in approving contracts for private legal counsel to state agencies, boards and/or commissions.”
 

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

Join Mike Johnson in Lafayette Monday, Nov. 28

The following was emailed out this morning by Republican National Committeeman Ross Little, Jr. from Louisiana:

Rep. Mike Johnson

Republican Mike Johnson will face Democrat Marshall Jones in the December 4 runoff for the 4th Congressional District seat in Louisiana.

It's one of the most significant campaigns remaining in America.

Johnson will be in Lafayette 6:00-7:30 pm on Monday, November 28 for a fund-raising reception at the home of Stuart and Kim Bishop, 111 Southpark Dr. in Lafayette.  RSVP with this form.

Johnson's opponent, Marshall Jones is a Democrat who has been endorsed by fellow Democrat Gov. John Bel Edwards and by Louisiana Democrat Party Chair Karen Carter Peterson.

Johnson is a constitutional attorney who has dedicated his life and career to fighting for the fundamental freedoms and traditional values that are still cherished by the people of Louisiana.

As a member of the Louisiana Legislature, Johnson was named an "MVP for Business" by LABI, an "Outstanding Family Advocate" by Louisiana Family Forum and an "A" rating from the NRA Political Action Fund.

Rep. Stuart Bishop

Johnson is welcomed to Lafayette by State Representative Stuart Bishop of Lafayette.

Bishop serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.

One of the Establishment Endorses Scott Angelle

Many may remember Joel Robideaux. He's the member in Louisiana's legislature that decided to raise taxes on the citizens of Louisiana without going through the the proper legislative means a few years back. 

Well, establishment supports establishment.  

Per his Facebook page tonight, Robideaux is now supporting Scott Angelle for his bid for a seat in the House of Represenatives.  

 NEWS: MAYOR-PRESIDENT JOEL ROBIDEAUX ENDORSES SCOTT ANGELLE FOR CONGRESS.

Focuses On Need for Expertise, Leadership On Oil & Gas Issues.

As Mayor-President of Lafayette Parish, I have seen first hand the difficulties faced by our families who rely on jobs in the oil and gas industry. The energy sector is, by far, our biggest economic driver. Once we get beyond campaign rhetoric, it's critically important that we send an industry leader to Congress who will help shape energy policy for the new administration. Our Congressman must have the ability and experience to counsel the President and other members of Congress on the impact of federal regulation affecting energy markets and production. A highly knowledgeable and effective Congressman is essential to ensure the success of the President's plans to reduce barriers to responsible energy production. This initiative will generate significant investment and bring back quality oil and gas jobs here. Scott Angelle has worked on oil and gas issues for decades. He thoroughly understands the industry and has proven to be a powerful advocate for the production, refining, distribution and oilfield services jobs that are so important to our region. We're blessed to have one candidate with the stature as a recognized leader to advise President Trump and the new Congress on these issues. With our future in mind, I'm pleased to offer my strongest possible endorsement for Scott Angelle to serve Lafayette Parish and the entire third district as our representative in Congress.

How Many of the Morally Outraged Who Couldn't Vote for Vitter Happy Now?

Photo source: KATC

Yet another one in the "the hits keep on hitting" books, the "Honor Code" governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, has yet again hit more of the citizens of the state straight between and in the pockets.  In true Democrat fashion, instead of seeking other ways to fund the TOPS program in the state for higher education, letters have been sent out to students and families advising that the program is being cut yet again.  This time, to the tune of upwards of 40%.

In his statement regarding the cuts, Honor Code said the following:

"The upcoming regular session in 2017 will give us another opportunity to stabilize Louisiana’s budget and invest in our children’s futures, and I’m asking the legislature to work with me, so that Louisiana’s students are not left to shoulder the burden of our state’s financial problems.” 

Let me break it down to you in English - we're gonna tax that ass even more..................

Don't blame me.  I voted for Vitter.

"Bananas" Foster is Toast in the December Runoff

Photo source: The Advocate

John Kennedy is going into a runoff with Foster Campbell to replace outgoing Sen. David Vitter with an almost assured win coming in December.  In this piece, Republicans gained nearly 60% of the total vote in the primaries as opposed to 36% for a Democrat.

If you are having buyers remorse for voting for "Honor Code" Edwards in the gubernatorial election last year, then hopefully you've learned your lesson and won't make the same mistake again in voting for Campbell.

Read more: Republicans Flood the Zone in Louisiana Senate Runoff

LANDRY: The Clinton-Edwards Insult

It seems that the latest play by career politicians is to attack those who disagree as backwards. According to recent revelations and interviews, if you maintain a faith in traditional doctrine - you are "backwards."

Last week, in an interview with the Times Picayune, John Bel Edwards said that I was "a backwards-thinking attorney general" for upholding the rule of law against his unconstitutional power grab. This insult followed a similar attack by the Hillary Clinton campaign who mocked the Catholic faith as "severely backwards" when it comes to abortion and same-sex marriage.

While I am offended by these insults, I am not dismayed by them. In fact, I am emboldened to continue doing what you elected me to do: enforce the laws enacted by your duly-elected representatives and protect your freedoms.

For too long - Catholics, Christians, and other people of faith have come under attack by people like Clinton, Edwards, and others who wish to subvert the moral foundations upon which our great State and Nation were built.

As Bill Donohue of the Catholic League recently said of this "stunning movement" in American politics, "bigotry is measured by words and deeds. It doesn't turn on demographic characteristics of the person. If their message is bigoted, then it's bigoted. If their deeds are bigoted, then they're bigoted."

As for me, I will not be intimidated or cower to the Clinton-Edwards attacks on our individual liberty and traditional values. Rather - I will continue to defend our Constitution, the will of the people, and common decency.

I hope you will stand with me in this worthy cause.

For Louisiana,
Jeff Landry

Mike Francis Leads in Latest Poll for Public Service Commission Seat

Photo source: The Jena Times

The latest JMC Analytics Poll, paid for by the Mike Francis campaign, shows him with a lead in the race.  The summary points of the race are below:

SUMMARY POINTS

• In PSC District 4, Donald Trump has a nearly 2:1 lead over Hillary Clinton, with 82-7% Republican support, while blacks support Clinton 75-13%;
• For the first time since JMC Analytics started polling this race in July, Mike Francis has moved into first place over Werner with a 25-23% lead. If undecided “leaners” are included, his lead over Werner widens to 10 points (39-29%);
• For the three months that JMC Analytics and Polling has polled this race, Reldon Owens has only moved up two points, while Mike Francis has more than doubled his support;
• In a hypothetical runoff matchup, Mike Francis has a nearly 2:1 (51-29%) lead over Mary Werner, while Owens only has an eight point (39-31%) lead over Werner;
• Even though Reldon Owens has touted endorsements from the Republican establishment, rank and file Republican voters have different ideas: Francis has a 37-6% lead over Owens among Republicans (58-13% if undecided "leaners" are included);  In summary, Mike Francis is positioned for a strong finish on November 8.

The results of the poll can be found here.

Louisiana Right to Life Marches - 2017

From the Louisiana Right to Life:

LOUISIANA LIFE MARCHES 2017

Come March With Us to 'Protect Them Both'!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 

  Saturday, Jan. 21|  10 AM - Noon 

Louisiana Life March SOUTH in Baton Rouge 

Saturday, Jan. 28|  10 AM - Noon
Louisiana Life March NORTH in Shreveport/Bossier 

Saturday, Feb. 4|  10 AM - Noon  

Louisiana Life March CENTRAL in Pineville/Alexandria

Please mark your calendars and save these dates for the three 2017 Louisiana Life March events, marking the 44th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in our country. Louisiana Life Marches are held yearly to unite the pro-life people of Louisiana, across all denominational lines, to take a stand for life in our state and mobilize them with resources to go make a difference in their communities. 

Want more information on the Life March in your area? You can download the flyers below or visit www.LALifeMarch.com.

 SOUTH FLYER
DOWNLOAD 

NORTH FLYER
DOWNLOAD 

CENTRAL FLYER
DOWNLOAD 

Want to help us get the word out about the 2017 Louisiana Life March nearest you? You can order postcards or flyers to hand out to your family and friends, church congregations, and other organizations to which you are affiliated, and posters to hang around your communities, all at no cost to you! Just email sandy@prolifelouisiana.org or call 866.463.5433 to order your supplies, while they last.

 CLICK TO ORDER 

 
Want to avoid standing in line at the Life March to get your 2017 Life March T-shirt? Want to buy it ahead of time so you can wear it to the march? Click on the link to the left to order the 2017 LLM themed "Protect Them Both" T-shirt. Sizes from youth large to adult XXL are available. T-shirts are $10 each.

Please share this with your family and friends! 

We hope to see you at the 2017 Louisiana Life March nearest you! 

 Louisiana Right to Life

ProLifeLouisiana.org    1.866.463.5433    @LARightToLife

Charles Boustany Releases "Publicity Hound" Ad

Photo source: YouTube

The latest from Boustany's campaign takes aim at John Kennedy and his history of candidacies in various political races within the state of Louisiana.

Attorney General Jeff Landry Wins in Court Against "Honor Code" Edwards

The following was released by Attorney General Jeff Landry's office this evening following his win in court against Gov. Edwards' executive order forcing LGBT language in state contracts.

Photo source: NOLA.com

BATON ROUGE, LA – Attorney General Jeff Landry issued the following statement after 19th Judicial District Court Judge Don Johnson dismissed Governor John Bel Edwards’ petition challenging the legal authority of the Attorney General:

“I applaud Judge Johnson for his attentiveness and preparation and for his learned decision and judgment. All along, I have stated my intention to put Louisiana’s best interests forward as I serve as the State’s chief legal officer. I will not cower to executive overreach; rather, I will continue to defend our Constitution and the will of the people.”

Constitutional Guide for the November 8 Election

Photo source: BRProud

Republican National Committeeman Ross Little issued a guide on Sunday regarding the six Louisiana constitutional amendments that are on the ballot in the November election.  Little has suggested YES on 2 of these amendments and NO on everything else.  The body of his email is included below:

Amendment 1.  NO. Lets' mess up the Registar of Voters.  This is an awful proposal. It would mess up Registrars of Voters everywhere by silly do-gooder requirements placed on Parishes in hiring Registrars.  

The supposed idea is to "professionalize" registrars by adding various requirements to registrars.  It's a bad idea.  When in business, I fought against this my entire career.  Many wanted to require college degrees for almost everything. The problem is that universites have become headquarters for liberals everywhere.

What will soon mean:  Lots of expensive, and mostly useless, "Continuing Education," which means taxpayers will have to pay for registrars to take expensive trips and endure more drivel from liberal "presenters."

The registrars will be unduly influenced by these folks and things will get worse from there.

In case you didn't know, liberals want to "federalize" voter registration.

Think there is voter fraud now?  Just wait until the feds take over.  Here are A Few of their Bad Ideas.

So - please vote NO.

Amendment 2. YES.  Tuition autonomy.  Colleges and universities are heavily subsidized by taxpayers.  It would be better for students to pay their own expenses.  This would allow universities to do a bit more of that.

Of course, taxpayers will continue to pay a significant cost of college tuition.

This is just a very small step.

As a reminder -- Bernie Sanders wants supposedly "free" college for all  -- which means the taxpayers will pay for the vast waste at Universities.

This proposal is the opposite of the Bernie Sanders approach.

It's a good idea.

Vote YES!

Amendment 3. NO. Increase taxes on businesses. This proposal would increase taxes on businesses by taking away vital tax deductions.

In this case, businesses could no longer deduct federal income taxes paid.

Why they want this:  Now, if federal taxes go up, state taxes go down.  This is great for taxpayers but state lawmakers would rather have the extra money to dole out. This proposal would mean that even as federal taxes go up, state taxes would also go up.

It's a bad idea.

Some estimate that businesses would pay another $30 million per year.  Others claim it would be revenue neutral.

Taxes are already too high.  We need to lower, not raise taxes.

What proponents will argue -- this is a flat tax of 6.5% on business, which is lower for some and higher for others.

My answer -- then why are taxes expected to increase up to $30 million per year?

Why not decrease taxes for all businesses?

Just say NO.

Amendment 4. NO. Tax Exemption for our Favorite People.  This is how they get you.

They propose a tax exemption to the most deserving of people -- in this case the spouses of persons killed in the line of duty.

This whole business of exemptions is usually a bad idea.  Belly up and Vote NO.

Amendment 5. NO. Budget Stabilization Fund.  Seems almost every election we are asked to do another "stabilization fund."

This one points out that we have a big problem -- Retirement Funds for government employees.  They are out of control.  This proposal, however, would make everything worse.

We need to change government workers retirement funds to 401(k) type programs just like everyone else.  Businesses got rid of these defined beneift plans because they were way too expensive.

Let's solve the problem - not make it worse.  Please, please vote NO.

Amendment 6. NO. Convoluted plan to adjust the threshold to tap certain funds and adds new protected funds.

We have so many funds it is ridiculous.

While I like the idea of being able to tap these funds, I really dislike the idea of adding a bunch of new protected funds.

If they would have simply reduced the threshold to tap the funds, I would have said yes.  They didn't.  They also added some new protected funds.

Yuck.

This is a move in the wrong direction.  We should be eliminating protected funds, not creating more such funds.

Instead of all these silly protected funds, our legislators should vote on every item.  I don't like excuses like - "The constitution makes us spend money on all these ridiculous items.

Let them know that we don't want more of these funds.

Just vote NO.

Charles Boustany Receives Endorsement from The Daily Advertiser

Photo source: The Daily Advertiser

In Sunday's edition of The Daily Advertiser out of Lafayette, Congressman Charles Boustany received their endorsement for his candidacy in the Senate race for the seat being vacated by David Vitter.  Boustany is running in a crowded field of 24 candidates and has been leading the pack in polling numbers for several weeks.  In the endorsement, the paper highlighted Boustany as offering "right intention, dogged determination and sincere and informed leadership consistent with the needs of Louisiana and the nation."

The Daily Advertiser also highlighted Boustany's leadership on issues directly affecting the citizens of Louisiana, chief among them, the oil and gas industry.  Additionally, his lead on coastal restoration, international trade, American security and international affairs were among the issues that were most important in their endorsement.

The story can be found at the The Daily Advertiser.

Former Congressman and Public Service Commissioner Clyde Holloway Passes Away

Photo source: KPEL

On Sunday, October 16, former Congressman Clyde Holloway, who was serving as Public Service Commissioner since his election in 2009, passed away at his home at the age of 72.  Holloway, who was a leader in the shift to Republican prominence in Louisiana, was known as a public servant who loved his state.

PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta said in a public statement on Monday that Holloway was "a true public servant with a long and storied career. He loved Louisiana and tried to do what was right at all times."

Read more: Former Louisiana Congressman Clyde Holloway Dies at 72

John Fleming Positioned to Make Runoff for Senate Seat

Photo source: Wikipedia

In the latest JMC Analytics and Polling, which was commissioned by the Fleming campaign, shows that Fleming is positioned to make the runoff for the Senate seat being vacated by David Vitter. 

The poll, which can be seen here, shows Fleming “winning the Republican primary” with a 27-25% lead over Kennedy among Republicans. If undecided voters are included, he expands to a 30-25% lead over Kennedy.

It also shows that Foster Campbell, one of two Democrats running in the election, is the likely candidate for a runoff in the election against one of the Republicans in the race, which are likely Fleming, Charles Boustany or John Kennedy.

Read more: Statewide Polling Results
 

And It's Only Beginning...................

Photo source: Oilfield Guru

I recently received an email from an insider in the oil and gas industry here in Louisiana concerning a disturbing trend that I fear will be starting because of short-sighted and ill-advised politicians sucking like leeches on the industry with the threat of lawsuits for coastal erosion.  In the email, which appears below, machine work that is normally done here in our state is now being moved to Texas because of the political climate surrounding people like Governor "Honor Code" Edwards and his crony attorney friends.

Shell recently ordered 10 offshore busing assemblies from a Texas machine shop that used to be machined in Louisiana.  Each assembly is about $120,000.

BP contacted same shop for similar work last week saying that they (BP) have to move work that used to be done in Houma to Texas because of a new political environment facing energy companies working in Louisiana.

Good for Texas but bad for Louisiana.

This is already starting and we haven't even filed the first suit against any oil company yet.  What will happen when our "Governor" finally does file that lawsuit?  I can tell you what will happen.  You'll see the decimation of an industry vital to families and hard-working taxpayers in Louisiana.

If you vote Democrat and working in the oil and gas industry, you seriously need to have your head examined.

But, don't blame me.  I voted for Vitter.

Graves Continues to Stay on Top of FEMA Regarding the "Shelter at Home" Program

Representative Garret Graves (LA-06) has continued to keep on top of FEMA and the "Shelter at Home" Program put into place following the floods of the Summer of 2016.  Graves points out several issues that he has with the program's implementation in a recent letter that was sent to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.  Highlights of the letter are:

1. Wasting money on bureaucracy
2. Inappropriate cap
3. Forcing the use of certain contractors
4. Rejecting the "Do It Yourselfers"
5. Transparency

A copy of the letter sent to Fugate can be found here.

Charles Boustany Releases a Piece Called "Finally" Regarding Treasurer John Kennedy

Photo source: YouTube

Congressman Charles Boustany, running for the seat being vacated in the US Senate by David Vitter, is in a heated contest with, among others, State Treasurer John Kennedy.  It seems that Boustany has set his sights on Kennedy with the latest piece being put out by the campaign, along with an accompanying video, highlighting what Boustany calls a "truth telling parody".

Below accompanied the video in an email released today:

The ad says: “He’s a career politician. He’s run for office ten different times.1 Backed a $1.1 billion tax increase.2
 
“John Kennedy led costly short-term budget gimmicks that cost taxpayers $200 million.3 Wasted taxpayer money renting office space from one of his campaign contributors.4
 
“Budget gimmicks. While the state’s credit rating is downgraded.5 John Kennedy: finally, someone is calling him out.”

1Career politician John Kennedy ran for office ten different times from 1991-2016.

1. 1991 – Attorney General (D), lost

2. 1995 – Attorney General (D), withdrew

3. 1999 – Treasurer (D), won

4. 2003 – Treasurer (D), won

5. 2004 – Senate (D), lost

6. 2007 – Treasurer (R), won

7. 2008 – Senate (R), lost

8. 2011 – Treasurer (R), won

9. 2015 – Treasurer (R), won

10.  2016 – Senate (R)

2John Kennedy backed a $1.1 billion tax increase on Louisiana oil & gas earlier this year as a way to make up the state’s budget shortfall. On WWL-Radio New Orleans, Kennedy claimed: “The total amount of waste and inefficiencies that the legislative auditor in these 36 reports identified just last year, in 2015, is $1.745 billion.” When challenged on his numbers, Treasurer Kennedy provided a report on government waste to Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards identifying $1.7 billion in ‘waste’ – including $1.148 billion in uncollected revenue from the state’s temporary tax exemption on hydraulic fracturing from 2010-2014.
 
3A performance review of the Louisiana Bond Commission in February found that short-term budget gimmicks employed by Kennedy as Chairman of the Bond Commission dating back to the 2010-2011 budget year helped plug short-term budget gaps, but incurred long-term costs to the state of as much as $231 million.
 
4A report by The Advocate found that the Treasurer’s Office has leased office space since 2011 at One City Plaza in Baton Rouge at a cost of $369,597 per year to taxpayers. The Treasurer repeatedly ignored attempts from the Office of Facility Planning and Control to move to state-owned office space that would have saved the state $293,868 per year. Kennedy has received $21,600 in campaign contributions from the owner of the facility.

5Louisiana’s credit rating was downgraded by Moody’s in February 2016. According to the AP: “Treasurer John Kennedy said Moody’s decision surprised him."

Capt. Clay Higgins Celebrates 75 Years of the Sugarcane Festival in New Iberia

Photo source: YouTube  

Cap. Clay Higgins took part in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the festival on 9/25/16 with a strong reception regarding his message of returning back to our roots and taking back D.C. from the entrenched.