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.
Posts filed under David Vitter
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sen. David Vitter Releases New Campaign Video - "The Right Team"
David Vitter Releases First TV Ad
Vitter to New Orleans Mayor Landrieu: Focus on Murders, Not Monuments
For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
August 12, 2015
504-779-3771
In a letter today, Vitter urges Landrieu to establish a new State Police Troop in New Orleans paid for by local revenue and tourism industry pledges along with a much larger role for the State Police in training NOPD. Vitter also urges Landrieu to “focus on murders, not monuments.”
(Metairie, La.) – David Vitter today sent a letter to New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu stating the murder rate is primarily the responsibility of local leadership, not the federal government. The letter is in response to Mayor Landrieu’s recent comments in the press criticizing Vitter, saying he hasn’t delivered enough federal resources to local law enforcement agencies to fight crime.
In his letter, Vitter recommended that Mayor Landrieu actively push his proposal to establish a new State Police Troop in New Orleans paid for by local revenue and tourism industry pledges, along with a much larger role for the State Police in training NOPD. Vitter also urges Landrieu to “focus on murders, not monuments.”
A copy of Vitter’s letter from today is below.
“August 12, 2015
The Honorable Mitch J. Landrieu
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Dear Mitch:
I was disappointed with your recent attacks against me in response to my comments to the State Troopers Association on the New Orleans murder epidemic.
New Orleans’ horrendous murder rate is not, primarily, the federal government’s responsibility; it’s yours. Still, the federal taxpayer has given New Orleans more aid per capita in the last ten years than to any other city in history because of Katrina, including major and unprecedented law enforcement funding.
I have two strong suggestions regarding the New Orleans murder crisis:
1) Please actively push my and others’ proposal to not just continue a State Police presence in New Orleans, but to establish a whole new State Police Troop there paid for by local revenue and tourism industry pledges, and a much larger role for the State Police in training NOPD.
2) For goodness sake, focus on murders, not monuments.
Sincerely,
David Vitter”
Vitter Campaign Refute Recent Polling Numbers
In an email over the past weekend, David Vitter's campaign refuted recent polling numbers released by Verne Kennedy regarding the pending Governor's race here in Louisiana. In that poll, Kennedy asserts that Vitter's lead in the race has been shrinking.
Three points were made in the email and they are as follows:
“1) Verne Kennedy’s polls are from a different planet.
In our last race, Kennedy had a guy named Chet Traylor almost even with David in the GOP primary at 46-34 percent. David beat him by 80 points: 88 – 7!!! Kennedy’s poll was wrong by more than 40 points.
In Rep. Cedric Richmond’s (D-New Orleans) most recent competitive race, Verne Kennedy had Rep. Joseph Cao (R-New Orleans) beating him 51-26 in the 2nd Congressional District. Richmond won 65-33. Kennedy was wrong again by 40 points.
In the 2010 New Orleans Mayor’s race, Verne Kennedy had Mitch Landrieu vulnerable, only getting 37 percent. Landrieu ended up beating his opponents with 66 percent. Kennedy was off by more than 30 points in this race.
2) Verne Kennedy has polled our gubernatorial race three times – May, June and July. In between the May and June poll, Scott Angelle spent more than a half million dollars on TV commercials. According to Kennedy’s polling, from May to June, Scott Angelle dropped 3 points during this period, from 18% to 15%. Between Verne’s June and July survey, Angelle only spent a fraction of what he previously spent, yet his numbers magically increased by a whopping 10 points, from 15% to 25%. Confused? We are too.
3) Two independent polls came out at the same time showing David Vitter ahead of the two other Republicans in the race by 20 points or more. Those two polls not only track with our numbers, they are consistent with all other public polling.”
Needless say, there are two more months left in this race, so things are really going to start heating up.
Vitter’s $5 Million Cash On Hand is More Than 3 Other Candidates Combined
For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
July 28, 2015
504-779-3771
Vitter has $5 million to combined $3.6, not including independent organizations
METAIRIE, LA. – After the second quarter deadline David Vitter leads all candidates with $5 million to a combined $3.6 million for John Bel Edwards, Scott Angelle, and Jay Dardenne.
“We’re thrilled and humbled by the amount of support we’re continuing to receive from all across Louisiana,” Vitter said. “More than 70 percent of our donations are small dollar. Folks are responding to our bold, clear plan to lead.”
Vitter had more than 2,270 individual contributions this quarter, the majority from Louisiana. 70 percent of the donations were at $100 or less.
An organization supporting Vitter’s campaign, The Fund for Louisiana’s Future, reportedly has $4.3 million cash on hand and raised more than $1 million this quarter.
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Vitter Reports More Than $5 Million Cash On Hand For Final 3 Months
For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
July 27, 2015
504-779-3771
Vitter raised more than $1.3 million this quarter
METAIRIE, LA. –David Vitter today filed his second quarter finance report with more than $5 million cash on hand going into the final three months of the Louisiana gubernatorial campaign. This quarter alone he raised more than $1.3 million. The financial reports for all candidates and political action committees are due today.
An organization supporting Vitter’s campaign, The Fund for Louisiana’s Future, reportedly has $4.3 million cash on hand and raised more than $1 million this quarter.
David Vitter is the only candidate with a bold, clear plan to build a brighter future for Louisiana. Vitter has been rolling out his plan chapter by chapter over the past several months. His plan is called “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.”
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Vitter Has More Than $5 Million Cash On Hand Going Into Final 3 Months of Campaign
For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
July 20, 2015
504-779-3771
Vitter Has More Than $5 Million Cash On Hand Going Into Final 3 Months of Campaign
Vitter raised more than $1.3 million this quarter
METAIRIE, LA. –David Vitter today announced that he will have more than $5 million cash on hand going into the final three months of the Louisiana gubernatorial campaign. This quarter alone he raised more than $1.3 million.
“We’re thrilled and humbled by the amount of support we’re continuing to receive,” Vitter said. “Louisiana needs a lot more than vague rhetoric and empty promises, and people all across the state are responding positively to our bold, detailed plan to lead.”
David Vitter is the only candidate with a clear plan to build a brighter future for Louisiana. Vitter has been rolling out his plan chapter by chapter over the past several months. His plan is called “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.”
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Vitter Sets Record Straight: Disney-ABC Do NOT Have Moratorium on Film and Television Projects in Louisiana
For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
June 23, 2015
504-779-3771
Vitter Sets Record Straight: Disney-ABC Do NOT Have Moratorium on Film and Television Projects in Louisiana
(Metairie, La.) – David Vitter spoke with a Vice President with Disney today who confirmed that the company has not imposed a moratorium on film and television projects in Louisiana, and they hope to produce more in the future. Vitter reached out to Disney-ABC in response to ambiguous reports alleging that the company was going to put projects on hold in Louisiana based on the state legislature’s bill to limit the film tax incentives program which Governor Bobby Jindal signed. Vitter responded to Disney with the following statement thanking them.
“Let me assure you that Louisiana will continue to have a significant film tax credit program and a welcoming environment. I plan on revisiting this issue as governor so that we have a sustainable (versus completely unlimited) program, but a very significant one that produces the maximum activity possible,” Vitter said.
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Vitter Releases Job Growth, Skills Training Plan
For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
June 18, 2015
504-779-3771
Vitter Releases Job Growth, Skills Training Plan
New Chapter of Vitter’s plan entitled “Growing Great Jobs and the Skilled Workforce to Fill Them”
METAIRIE, LA. – David Vitter (R-LA) today released his chapter on job growth as part of his plan, “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.” Chapter 10 of the Vitter plan is entitled “Growing Great Jobs and the Skilled Workforce to Fill Them.”
You can read Vitter’s plan for job growth and skills training here.
“Louisiana has been experiencing real job growth in the industrial corridor. I’m determined to bring that growth to all parts of the state and to give Louisianians the skills they need to fully benefit from it,” Vitter said. “As governor, I’ll lead efforts to lure large projects here, reverse Louisiana’s anti-business litigation climate, and greatly expand skills training opportunities.”
In Chapter 10 of “Together, Louisiana Strong,” Vitter details how he will encourage partnerships with local authorities and private landowners to attract manufacturing projects in each region of the state. Vitter’s plan explains that he will develop a more collaborative approach to workforce training, including accelerating the JumpStart program and elevating the role of Louisiana’s technical and community colleges in higher education. He will also pursue significant litigation reform to end frivolous lawsuits that cost Louisianians jobs. Read all of Vitter’s proposals here.
As our U.S. Senator, David Vitter has always fought for the right policies that will grow good jobs in Louisiana. The new chapter shows the Vitter Record of job creation, including how he has partnered with local and state officials to lure key job-creating projects.
See the first ten chapters of Together, Louisiana Strong here.
In addition to “Growing Great Jobs and the Skilled Workforce to Fill Them,” Vitter has already released the following nine chapters of the plan.
- Keeping in Touch
- Stabilizing The Budget Through Spending & Tax Reform
- Dramatically Improving Education for All Our Children
- Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs
- Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism
- Improving our Public-Private Hospital Partnerships, Reforming Medicaid
- Restoring our Coast, Protecting our People
- Supporting our Farmers and Fishermen
- Leading with Energy
Vitter has compiled his plan by meeting with Louisianians of all walks of life and by listening to their ideas for building a brighter future. Vitter has held 382 Town Hall Meetings and 205 Telephone Town Halls. As a candidate for Governor, Vitter has held 12 Leadership Forums on the key challenges we face as a state specifically to develop this blueprint, with dozens of informal meetings and conference calls in addition.
Vitter will be releasing additional chapters as they’re added in the next several weeks.
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David Vitter Working to Put an End to Late Term Abortions
Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana is highlighting his pro-life credentials by recently co-sponsoring the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.
Vitter said the following in regards to the bill:
“Every step toward ending abortions once and for all is an important step in the right direction,” Vitter said. “We can make great strides toward protecting and dignifying innocent human life by putting an end to late-term abortions – when an unborn child can feel physical pain.”
Vitter is currently a candidate for Governor of Louisiana in the fall elections and has a 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee.
Read more: Senator Vitter Working To End Abortions After 20 Weeks
Louisiana Gubernatorial Debate Set for Wednesday
Photo source: The Advocate
A recent piece by NOLA highlights a debate is being scheduled for Wednesday, 6/17/15, at the Alario Center in Jefferson Parish for the gubernatorial candidates in Louisiana's fall elections. The proceeds from the event will benefit Café Hope, a culinary training program for at-risk youth.
More information can be obtained from Rep. Bryan Adams' office at 504.361.6013 or email adamsb@legis.la.
Read more: Louisiana gubernatorial debate set for Wednesday at Alario Center
RELEASE: Vitter Releases Energy Plan, "Leading With Energy"
For Immediate Release Contact: Luke Bolar
June 11, 2015 504-779-3771
Vitter Releases Energy Plan, “Leading With Energy”
New chapter of Vitter’s plan on energy released today as part of Together, Louisiana Strong
METAIRIE, LA. – David Vitter (R-LA) today released his chapter on energy as part of his plan, “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.” Chapter 9 of the Vitter plan is entitled “Leading With Energy.”
You can read Vitter’s energy plan here.
“Our energy sector represents enormous Louisiana riches—not just in natural resources, but in people, innovation, and know-how,” Vitter said. “Growing up, I saw this first-hand through the eyes of my dad, who was chief of Gulf production for Chevron. I see it today as I fight the Obama administration’s anti-oil and gas policies. As our governor, I will see Louisiana through to an even more vibrant energy future with clear vision and determined leadership.”
In Chapter 9 of “Together, Louisiana Strong,” Vitter details how he’ll work to review all state tax policy that impacts energy and will streamline the state’s regulatory process at the Department of Natural Resources. Vitter’s plan explains that he will attack environmental overregulation at the federal level and make litigation reform a real priority to end frivolous lawsuits that cost Louisiana jobs. Read all of Vitter’s proposals here.
The chapter also highlights David Vitter’s concrete, proven record in support of our energy industry. The Vitter Record includes a number of bills he authored and passed in the Senate and how he led opposition to President Obama’s drilling moratorium in the gulf until they finally agreed to issue 15 deepwater permits and withdrew the moratorium.
See the first nine chapters of Together, Louisiana Strong here.
In addition to “Leading With Energy,” Vitter has already released the following eight chapters of the plan.
· Stabilizing The Budget Through Spending & Tax Reform
· Dramatically Improving Education for All Our Children
· Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs
· Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism
· Improving our Public-Private Hospital Partnerships, Reforming Medicaid
· Restoring our Coast, Protecting our People
· Supporting our Farmers and Fishermen
Vitter has compiled his plan by meeting with Louisianians of all walks of life and by listening to their ideas for building a brighter future. Vitter has held 382 in person Town Hall Meetings and 210 Telephone Town Halls. As a candidate for Governor, Vitter has held 12 Leadership Forums on the key challenges we face as a state specifically to develop this blueprint, with dozens of informal meetings and conference calls in addition.
Vitter will be releasing additional chapters as they’re added in the next several weeks.
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