Below is a video of the debate last week between David Ditch and Larry Richard, both candidates for Iberia Parish President.
The Very Liberal Jay Dardenne
In what can be called a history lesson on the "Republican" Jay Dardenne's voting record, Cajun Conservatism would like to take the time to revisit his history while a member of the Louisiana legislature.
While touting himself as a fiscal conservative, Dardenne has supported higher fees, taxes and spending. Additionally, his record on abortion is not quite stellar.
This list is several years old, but nonetheless, he cannot shake the RINO label he so richly deserves.
Why Media Won't Report on Scott Angelle Skipping Public Appearances
Photo source: NOLA.gov
The media loves to point out if Sen. David Vitter misses a forum gubernatorial forum. Vitter has far more reason to miss forums and debates than anyone because of his job in the U.S. Senate requires him to be voting and present in DC most weeks and he has a far more grueling schedule in the state holding town hall meetings, running seven offices, and representing the entire state.
Scott Angelle, however, has no such excuse. By our count, he's missed at least four gubernatorial forums in the last few weeks. Alliance for Good Government, Campaign for Healthcare for Everyone Gubernatorial Forum, Northshore Old Fashioned Straw Poll and Caucus, and the Region 1 Republican Women Gubernatorial Forum.
But why is he skipping so many and why won't the media cover it?
For one, the more he is out in public, the more questions he is getting about his record. Most people didn't know until recently that he was a lifelong Democrat until 2010 and voted in Obama's first Presidential Primary. And hardly anyone knew about his role in the Bayou Corne Sinkhole or how he quit five days after it collapsed. Voters like to know these things, and Angelle clearly doesn't like to answer.
The reason the media won't cover it is simple. They have an unhealthy obsession with attacking Sen. Vitter. We aren't blaming the media for protecting Angelle. We are blaming them for being lazy and only reporting biasedly what they want, which is to attack Vitter.
Mitch Landrieu Leaves City to Attend Out-Of-State Functions While City Burns
Photo source: NOLA.gov
New Orleans' "mayor", Mitch Landrieu, who has defied a court order to comply with the payment requirements regarding millions in back payments to firefighters, has decided to forgo a house arrest threat and attend out of state functions last week, all the while the city falls further and further into violence.
Per the NOPD Major Offense Log, several violent crimes have occurred during his time away from the city.
Keep Louisiana Working Executive Director Anthony Ramirez released the following statement:
“Never one to let important city business keep him at home—even with with a public health crisis and crime epidemic—Mayor Landrieu has left the city behind to further his own political ambition.”
“Mayor Landrieu has seemingly turned his back on the city, traveling out of state when the city needs him the most. Louisiana cannot afford to have another absent politician with a personal political agenda."
The Public Integrity Alliance and Solution Fund Release "The Buddy System"
Photo source: YouTube
The "BuddySystem" in the Louisiana Attorney General's Office has drawn the attention of the Public Integrity Alliance. Louisiana deserves better than another corrupt state politician.
Have You Heard of the Soldier Running for Louisiana Senate Arrested for a Seatbelt Violation?
Photo sources: Facebook
Put this one under "the good ol' boy network" in Louisiana politics. It seems that Stewart Cathey, a veteran of the United States armed services, was arrested last week for an unpaid seatbelt violation. However, the kicker in this story is that Cathey, who inadvertently overlooked the ticket while preparing for deployment to Afghanistan, was willing to pay the fines and fees associated with the ticket, but was ordered to jail by Judge Tammy D. Lee. Could this possibly be politically motivated? Well, Cathey's opponent in this race is none other than recent Republican Party switch, Jim "Big Lake" Fannin, who is running to succeed Bob Kostelka.
Col. Rob Maness, former candidate for the Louisiana Senate seat in DC, had this to say regarding Cathey in his endorsement:
“I call for an investigation for impeachment against Judge Tammy D. Lee, the official who forced the arrest, and an ethics investigation into Cathey’s opponent, State Representative Jim “Big Lake” Fannin and current Senator Bob Kostelka who apparently had information on the seatbelt charge and arrest before Cathey even knew about it," said Maness.
Maness added, "I respectfully call on the LA GOP leadership, all elected officials and veterans in Louisiana to condemn these career politicians, withdraw all support for them and endorse Mr. Cathey. Is this really how we are going to treat our heroes?”
Cathey issued the following statement last week when he was arrested and subsequently bonded out:
Let me first say thank you to everyone for being here today to support me. As many of you are now aware, in September of 2009, I was issued a ticket by the City of Monroe for not wearing my seatbelt. Eight short days later, I deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the US Army where I spent the next year fighting for the country we all love and hold so dear.While I was in Afghanistan, I honestly forgot about my seatbelt ticket, because as one might imagine that was the furthest thing from my mind. My mind was focused on keeping my team mates safe, keeping myself alive and getting back home to my family, just as is the case with any soldier who as every been fortunate enough to wear our nations uniform. Thankfully, the Lord allowed me to come home and gave me the opportunity to find new ways to serve my state and country. Is my serving my nation overseas an excuse, or a crutch, ABSOLUTELY not, I would never use my service to my nation as an excuse! This is nothing more than me simply forgetting to pay a ticket during a very stressful time in my life.
All of this is what brings us here today, and most likely, were I not a candidate for the State Senate I would never have even remembered that I had been issued a ticket for not wearing my seatbelt.
Had it not been for my opponent and his political supporters and advisers reminding me of this ticket on September 11th, the day after qualifying, and making it an issue in this campaign, I likely would never have even remembered it. Over the last 6 years, I have not received any paperwork documenting that there was ever a warrant. During this time I have been able to renew my driver’s license and purchase vehicles without my license being flagged due to a warrant, nor has anything related to this issue ever come up.
Since being reminded of this ticket by my opponents, I have exhausted all efforts to try to pay the fines or penalties associated with it, because I am admitting I made a mistake, and I want to and am willing to pay any fines in order to make this right as is normally the way a situation like this is handled. But for some reason I am being denied the right to simply pay my fine and penalties, and I am instead being forced to be arrested, and required to bond out over a simple seat belt violation from 6 years ago. It has become apparent to me that my opponents will stop at nothing to protect their candidates and the good ole boy system, even to the point of abusing the justice system.
I hope and pray that the voters of District 35 will not be distracted by this issue, but instead hear my message: Louisiana needs new leadership in Baton Rouge to right the ship from the mess that my opponent has created.
I hope that you, the voters, will understand that while I was serving in combat overseas, the furthest thing from my mind was a seatbelt violation. My full concentration and attention was on my mission of keeping America safe by defeating Al Qaeda and the Taliban, supporting my fellow troops, and coming back home safely. This type of treatment is what we are seeing all over America right now when our service men and women return home from war, and it is another example that we have to support our Veterans, who have sacrificed so much.
What we're seeing today is the ugly side of politics. People ask me all the time why I'd want to get involved in something so nasty and underhanded.
Ironically, this situation is exactly why I'm running. The career politicians like Jim Fannin will clearly stop at nothing to get back to the good ole boys club in Baton Rouge. We don't need people who will stoop to such cutthroat tactics. We need real leadership to turn this state around.
Just as I served my country around the world now I want to serve my state in the Senate. I need your support and most importantly I need your prayers. We deserve better than what we've had, and I hope you can trust that I'm the man for the job.
Is this the way we thank our veterans that serve our country day in and day out? Or, better yet, is this how scared the elite in this state really are about holding onto their sacred cows? Voters of this state should not stand for this and should throw out all of "the good ol' boys" in Louisiana this fall.
Louisiana Political Ad Reviews
Photo source: KTBS.com
We’ve been monitoring the political ads on TV this cycle. We may not have seen them all, but here’s a quick synopsis with letter grades.
Jeff Landry, candidate for Attorney General. His ad shows him as the true conservative in the race. We give him an “A.”
Buddy Caldwell, candidate for AG. Caldwell is running a misleading attack on Landry and deflecting the fact that he is a longtime Democrat. We give him a “D” (for Democrat).
John Young, candidate for Lt. Governor. His ad is a biographical spot touting himself as a conservative. It’s a fine no-frills spot, but didn’t wow us either. Grade: “A-.”
David Vitter, candidate for Governor. He has 3 ads on the air. He’s airing attacks on his GOP opponents Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne for being liberal. Both ads get an “A+.” He’s also running a sport about a plan to reform welfare. Great issue, solid ad; we give it a “B+.”
The Fund for Louisiana’s Future, a Super PAC supporting Vitter. They have two ads. One is hitting Angelle and Dardenne for use of state cars. That ad gets a “B-." Their other ad is hitting Angelle for his negligence on the Bayou Corne Sinkhole and for quitting right after. This ad gets an “A+," although we are still not sure if the ad is running in Baton Rouge which is literally 30 miles from Bayou Corne.
Jay Dardenne, candidate for Governor. He has two ads. One is a weird bobble head version of Dardenne on a fake stage. We don’t get the point of this ad, and gave it a “C.” His other ad is just his wife Cathy talking about Dardenne. It’s too boring to give anything more than a “C.”
Scott Angelle, candidate for Governor. He was running a biographical type spot, however he’s swapped it out to defend himself against Vitter and the Fund for Louisiana’s Future ads. His ad tries to discredit the attacks against him and then attacks Vitter. There are too many issues in the ad, and hard to follow. We give it a “B-.”
Louisiana Rising, Super PAC supporting Angelle.They are attacking Vitter for switching positions on Common Core. CajunConservatism.com has long been opposed to Common Core, and we were upset when Vitter initially said he supported Common Core. But, he’s right on the issue today, so a switch really doesn’t matter. We give their ad a “B+.”
The Louisiana Water Coalition, Super PAC opposing Vitter. They are running slash and burn attack ads against Vitter for his past. Their ads may have some impact, but it’s pure garbage and equally disturbing because they are completely funded by one law firm and they are accountable to no one. They get an “F.”
John Bel Edwards, Candidate for Governor. Edwards ad is good, and makes him look likable to conservatives. There is one BIG problem – he is not. He gets a “D” (for Democrat).
John Kennedy, Candidate Treasurer. The Kennedy ad is a great biography spot making him very likable, and not your typical politician. The strategy to spend his state money this year building his positives is a smart strategy. "A+"
Jim Donelon, Candidate for Insurance Commissioner. Donelon's ad is boring and not memorable. "D"
Vitter Receives Several Key Parish Executive Committee Endorsements
Today, David Vitter's campaign sent out a press release by email indicating that they have secured several key endorsements from Parish Executive Committees. The following list of parishes have endorsed Vitter in his campaign for Governor of Louisiana.
- Caddo
- East Baton Rouge
- Iberia
- Jefferson
- Orleans
- St. Bernard
- St. Tammany
The campaign had the following to say about the endorsements:
Vitter’s opponents have been trying to make inroads in the Shreveport area, but the Caddo endorsement helps shore up Vitter’s support in Northwest Louisiana. Iberia Parish is obviously in PSC Commissioner Scott Angelle’s base, which shows clear signs of weakness for Angelle in his geographical base. Vitter has also received the endorsement of the East Baton Rouge Parish GOP, which is a sign of weakness for Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne in his geographical base.
Vitter Campaign Issues Press Release Regarding Scott Angelle's Time as DNR and Bayou Corne
Photo source: opednews.com
In what can only be described as a scathing letter, Sen. David Vitter's campaign released an email blasting Scott Angelle's handling of the Bayou Corne sinkhole disaster and subsequent resignation as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. Some of the stronger points of argument made are that since "2010 the DNR had a report showing that the sinkhole posed a threat not long before residents started experiencing earthquakes. Scott Angelle and the DNR did not disclose the failed integrity test."
The full release can be read here.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette College Republicans Endorse Jeff Landry for Louisianas next Attorney General
Photo source: Facebook
The following press release was issued by the UL College Republicans on Tuesday regarding Landry's bid to unseat Buddy Caldwell in the race for Louisiana Attorney General.
LAFAYETTE – Today, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette College Republicans announced their endorsement of Jeff Landry for Louisiana’s next Attorney General. The announcement comes ahead of the October 24th elections and shows a growing trend in millennial support for Landry’s campaign. UL Lafayette joins LSU College Republicans and the Louisiana Young Republican Federation in endorsing Jeff Landry’s bid for AG.
Louisiana is often ranked at the bottom of a lot of rankings in the nation. Louisiana currently has the second worst legal environment in the country (source: institute for legal reform Sept, 10, 2015). Furthermore, Louisiana’s economy is not attracting as many jobs as expected in 2015. It could be argued that the two are part and parcel of one another. ULL College Republicans President Graham Beduze said, “Louisiana’s legal climate is hostile to job creators and as a result Louisiana isn’t seeing enough economic growth to be an attractive option for our graduates. We are unfortunately losing graduates to Texas and other states. We need do all we can to keep our bright minds and the future of Louisiana here at home.”
Louisiana needs an Attorney General who recognizes this and has the right experience to turn things around. Jeff Landry has been a corporate attorney for over a decade, has created hundreds of jobs as a small business owner, and has a unique understanding of the law from his experience as a lawmaker. Beduze continued, “We need to create opportunity for economic growth and job creation in Louisiana. We can accomplish that by cleaning up the legal environment here at home thus encouraging businesses to come to Louisiana and put people back to work. Jeff Landry is uniquely qualified to help us do just that.”
In receiving the endorsement, Jeff Landry said: “I am honored to have the support of the College Republicans at my Alma Mater. The support of young voters who recognize the untapped potential of our state is humbling. In Louisiana, and particularly in Acadiana, we know the power of an unbridled entrepreneurial spirit. We have seen Lafayette transform over time as a model for growth, but we must allow for that same growth across the state. That takes a combined effort. I hope the voters will join me in fighting for our Louisiana. Louisiana is a good state, let’s make it great!”
Landry’s other endorsements include the Republican Party of Louisiana, Pro-Life Family Research Council Action, Gun Owners of America, Gator PAC, The Washington Parish Republican Party, Congressmen Fleming and Scalise, the Louisiana Young Republican Federation, and the College Republicans at Louisiana State University.
LAGOP Issues Press Release on Hillary Clinton's Visit to Baton Rouge
Photo source: NOLA
In a press release issued on Monday, the LAGOP had to say the following concerning the abysmal showing for Clinton's visit to Baton Rouge:
Hillary Fails to Draw 1/3 the Crowd of Sanders
Today in Baton Rouge, Hillary Clinton failed to draw even one-third of the crowd that self-proclaimed socialist Senator Bernie Sanders drew in his visit to Louisiana a few weeks ago. According to press reports, Clinton, who was aided by Louisiana Democrat Party Chair Karen Carter Peterson, only attracted 1,200 supporters. In August, more than 4,500 people attended Sanders’ rally in Kenner.
“While the state Democrat Party is apparently in the bag for Hillary, it is clear the voters of Louisiana are ready for anyone but Hillary,” Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Roger Villere said.
Notably absent from today’s Clinton rally was the Louisiana Democrat Party’s handpicked gubernatorial candidate, Rep. John Bel Edwards.
"Undoubtedly, Edwards is doing his best to achieve what many statewide Democrat candidates before him have failed to do--ally himself with Democrat Party leaders and donors while at the same time convincing the voters of Louisiana that he doesn’t really believe in their far left wing policies,” Villere said. “At the event, Hillary doubled down on her support for Obamacare, which is hurting Louisiana families, but failed to explain why she is seeking to hold Louisiana’s economy captive as she opposes lifting the ban on crude oil exports until she gains "concessions” from the energy industry. No wonder John Bel was hiding. Hillary and her friends who control the state Democrat Party never miss a chance to be out of touch with Louisiana voters.”
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.
Vitter Releases "Back to Work" Video Regarding Welfare Reform
David Vitter today released another television ad that has been airing statewide. The ad, called “Back to Work,” highlights Vitter's bold plan to reform Louisiana's welfare program.
“Welfare was created to help struggling families get back on their feet. But too often, welfare programs are abused, and this fraud takes resources away from families who rely on the program for survival,” says Vitter. “My plan says if you use your electronic food stamp card – you must show a photo ID. That’s common sense, and it's working in other states.”
Vitter's plan also includes real work requirements and ends taxpayer-funded welfare for violent criminals. Vitter has passed legislation in the U.S. Senate to prevent murderers and rapists from being able to receive food stamps.
Back in 2014, 500 people robbed Walmart stores of more than $300,000 worth of groceries in Northwest Louisiana after a temporary glitch in the food stamp system eliminated spending limits for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
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.
Letter from Congress to Obama on Iran Deal
Photo source: BB4SP
Several members of the House of Representatives sent President Obama the below letter yesterday indicating their request for side agreements between the administration and the Iranian government in regards to the nuclear deal that was pushed through by Obama. The text of the letter is below and the full letter with the signatories can be found at the below link.
Mr. President:
It has come to our attention that during the recent negotiation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran, at least two side deals were made between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran. These side deals, concerning the “roadmap for the clarification of past and present outstanding issues regarding Iran’s nuclear programs,” have not been made available to the United States Congress. One deal covers the Parchin military complex and the other covers prior military dimensions (PMDs) of Iran's nuclear program.
This is no small matter. As you yourself have made clear, the agreement is “not based on trust, but on verification.” The issue of how we will verify that Iran is being truthful about its activities at potential nuclear sites will determine whether the JCPOA can ultimately succeed.
Under the clear language of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which you signed into law, members of Congress are entitled to the text of these two side deals. Specifically, members have a right to all “annexes, appendices, codicils, side agreements, implementing materials, documents, and guidance, technical or other understandings and any related agreements, whether entered into or implemented prior to the agreement or to be entered into or implemented in the future.” Congress’s legal right to these documents creates a corresponding legal obligation for your administration to provide them for our review.
The JCPOA with Iran is a matter of immense importance to the immediate and long-term security of the United States. Members of Congress have the right and the duty to review every relevant document, every term, and every word of this agreement in order to make an informed decision about whether or not it merits our support.
We request that you provide the text of these side deals to Congress as expeditiously as possible. If you do not possess these documents, we request that you immediately secure them from the IAEA and then provide them to Congress. We look forward to your quick reply.
The full letter with signatories: Iran Nuke Deal Secret Agreements
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.
