Attorney General Jeff Landry Stands with LAGOP Against Sanctuary Cities

The following email was sent out by AG Jeff Landry concerning the issue of sanctuary cities, specifically New Orleans, and the need to end this practice.  The text of the email is below:

My Fellow Republicans,

We must end sanctuary cities... now!

As your Attorney General, I am committed to ensuring the rule of law is followed by everyone. It is a matter of justice and public safety.

Reports of illegals breaking the law and getting away with it are becoming a regular occurrence.  We ask that our elected officials stand with us to uphold the rule of law and protect our communities.

Tens of thousands of illegals live in Louisiana and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

What's worse is that liberals have enacted sanctuary policies that encourage illegal aliens.

According to the Immigration Task Force led by State Representative Valarie Hodges:

- 5,339 illegals receive SNAP benefits (also known as Food Stamps)
- Illegals are a $3.2 million burden on our state's prisons
- Louisiana foots $16 million for Medicaid welfare coverage of illegals - an amount surely to rise with Medicaid welfare expansion

In February, New Orleans issued policy guidance to its police officers requiring them not to inquire about the immigration status of suspects they encounter and to not cooperate with federal authorities - making New Orleans a sanctuary city.

Allowing illegals to commit crime then roam free in our communities is an immense threat to the safety of our people.

Where do you stand? Join me in saying NO to sanctuary cities.

Sanctuary policies and the elected officials who support them are actively undermining the rule of law.

Sign the petition today and say NO to sanctuary cities.

LANDRY: AG Jeff Landry Moves Quickly to End the “Buddy System”

Less than two months after taking office, Attorney General Jeff Landry is wasting no time declaring that there is a new sheriff in town.

Landry ran on a reform agenda, which led to a resounding defeat of the former two-term incumbent attorney general. Now he is moving quickly to make good on his campaign promise to end the corruption that had taken root in the state’s Department of Justice under his predecessor.

Cronyism and backroom deals in the Attorney General’s Office have been a concern of Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch for a long time. In 2013, LLAW partnered with the political blog TheHayride.com and WWL TV to launch a series of investigations that exposed former AG James “Buddy” Caldwell’s practice of awarding highly lucrative no-bid legal contracts to his top campaign contributors. Under the scheme, which became known as the “Buddy System,” politically connected law firms made more than $54 million off of state legal contracts awarded by Caldwell.

In February 2016, Attorney General Landry put an end to many of those “good old boy” deals, cancelling dozens of legal contracts that benefited two of Caldwell’s top campaign contributors and nearly 50 contracts with the private law firms of district attorneys around the state.

Landry also announced a new policy that prohibits attorneys on his staff from doing private legal work on the side, a step that will help avoid even the perception of impropriety.

Clearly these concrete reforms took tremendous guts and political fortitude to make, and we join many people across Louisiana who are applauding Attorney General Landry for making them. The apparent pay-for-play system that flourished under his predecessor left a stain on the integrity of the Attorney General’s Office and unquestionably contributed to our state’s reputation as a “judicial hellhole.”

Without a doubt, these changes will help to improve that negative perception, and they go a long way toward correcting some of the sins of the past.

It is also encouraging that Attorney General Landry acknowledges there is more work to be done. After announcing a slew of new good government policies last month, Landry said, “Reform at the Department of Justice does not end today. We will continue to find ways to make the office an honest, ethical, and hardworking agency that the citizens of our State can rely upon and be proud of.”

Indeed, we couldn’t agree more. As the state’s chief law enforcement officer, the attorney general has a sworn duty to protect and serve the people of Louisiana. The people he hires to help carry out that duty should be selected based on their experience and expertise—not their personal and political connections.

Given AG Landry’s commitment to ending the “Buddy System,” we fully expect that will be the case.

Melissa Landry (no relation) is executive director of Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch (LLAW), the state’s leading grassroots legal watchdog organization. To learn more visit, www.LLAW.org <http://www.LLAW.org>

Attorney General Jeff Landry Takes Oath of Office

Landry Eager to Lead Louisiana Department of Justice

BATON ROUGE, LA - Attorney General Jeff Landry was sworn in today as the new leader of Louisiana's Department of Justice.

"Taking the oath of office today reaffirms my pledge to the great people of Louisiana who entrusted me to defend the Constitution," said General Landry. "I am determined to reform the Department of Justice into an agency that efficiently and effectively fights federal overreach, supports economic liberty, and makes our communities safer."

General Landry, a Republican from Acadiana who defeated two-term incumbent Buddy Caldwell, said he was excited to begin serving as chief legal officer of the state.

"I am eager to begin the people's work. Our neighbors want an open, honest, and hardworking agency that treats everyone fairly and equally; I will work tirelessly to give them that," continued General Landry. "My team and I will assist citizens and job creators, law enforcement officers and prosecutors, and everyone from Shreveport to New Orleans, Lake Charles to Monroe so justice may be served throughout our state."

General Landry, whose oath was administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Johnson, concluded: "I am committed to protecting our state from crime, fraud, and abuse so we can make Louisiana an even better place to live, work, and raise our families."

Attorney General-Elect Jeff Landry Announces Transition Leaders, Chief Deputy Attorney General-Designate, Committee Members, and Inaugural Details

The following was released by email regarding the transition process for Jeff Landry to take over the Louisiana Attorney General's office.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Attorney General-Elect Jeff Landry is making several announcements today as he transitions into the role as Louisiana’s 44th Attorney General. .

“My goal is to have a thoughtful transition process so I can best serve the people of Louisiana,” said Attorney General-Elect Jeff Landry. “I look forward to hearing recommendations from members of the Transition Committee, speaking with citizens, and meeting with other Louisiana leaders as we move forward toward building an Attorney General’s office which will honorably serve all of the people of Louisiana.”

Following a request by the Attorney General–Elect, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson has graciously agreed to administer the official Oath of Office to Jeff Landry as Louisiana’s next Attorney General. The Chief Justice will administer the Oath on the steps of the State Capitol as part of the Inaugural ceremonies on January 11th. “As Louisiana’s first African–American Chief Justice, it is an honor to have Chief Justice Johnson administer my Oath,” said Landry. “I look forward to having my wife Sharon, my son JT, my parents, other family members, and friends join me on January 11th as I take the Oath. I am humbled and honored to have been selected by the voters to assume this important position. I do not take it lightly, and I will work hard every day to ensure the people of Louisiana know this office is here to work for the best interests of our state,” Landry added.

Landry is announcing today the naming of Wilber L. “Bill” Stiles as his Chief Deputy Attorney General-designate, also known as the first assistant. Stiles will be presented to the State Senate for confirmation when Landry takes office. A veteran prosecutor for more than a decade, Stiles is currently the Assistant District Attorney in the 16th Judicial District of Louisiana. Stiles also served as the District Director for the 3rd Congressional District of Louisiana, serving while Jeff Landry represented the District in Congress. Stiles is a graduate of the Louisiana State University Law Center and the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and deployed during the first Persian Gulf War with the aircraft carrier U.S.S. America. He and his wife Christy, a teacher, have two children. “I appreciate Bill’s willingness to serve the people of Louisiana. I trust and expect that Bill will work with the existing Department of Justice staff and new leaders to be named in ensuring we have an honest, ethical, and hardworking team,” said Landry. Stiles is working with Landry, the Transition Team staff, and the Transition Committee Members in helping prepare Jeff Landry to assume the office.

Jeff Landry is also announcing the Co-Chairs of his Transition Committee.

The successful Chairman of the Board and CEO of Harvey Gulf International Marine, a preferred provider of OTV, OSV and MPSV services to the deepwater and ultra-deepwater offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico, Shane Guidry is serving as Chairman of the Transition Committee. As Chairman and CEO, Guidry has helped expand Harvey Gulf from an asset base of $60 Million to over $2 Billion today. Guidry brings his experience managing a large organization and his deep understanding of law enforcement to the Committee. Guidry is a graduate of the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff's Office Academy with Post Certification and is a current Reserve Deputy Chief in the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Guidry joined the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's office more than two decades ago working with the Street Crimes Unit, later achieving the rank of Captain. In 1997, Guidry was promoted to the rank of Major and served as a Night Watch Supervisor. Guidry maintains a Louisiana Peace Officers Standard Training Certification. When not spending time helping protect the community by assisting law enforcement or running one of Louisiana’s largest and most successful companies, Guidry is helping the community as Chair of the Heart Walk for the American Heart Association, arranging for The Sunshine Kids to ride annually in a New Orleans area Mardi Gras parade, or supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Co-Chairing the Transition Committee is Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand. Normand has more than three decades of experience in the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Normand has served as Sheriff since his election in 2007. Normand previously served as Chief Criminal Deputy, Comptroller, and Chief of the Louis Armstrong Airport Law Enforcement Detachment. He started his law enforcement career in the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office serving high risk warrants and court capias. Normand earned a bachelor degree from the University of New Orleans and a law degree from Tulane University Law School. Normand is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy and FBI National Executive Institute.

“My Co-Chairmen bring legal understanding, tremendous business experience, and a collective law enforcement background to the Transition Committee,” said Landry. “They will help ensure the work of the Transition Committee is completed.”

Transition Committee Members who have agreed to serve are being asked to focus their attention on specific sections and divisions of the Department of Justice. Today, Landry is naming Members who are focusing on the Criminal and Investigative areas of the Department of Justice. Transition Committee Members for additional areas will be named as the Transition progresses.

Criminal Division Transition Committee Members

John Belton is the District Attorney for the 3rd Judicial District, a position he has held since 2015. Belton is a career prosecutor who has dedicated 23 years to serving his community as a courtroom advocate. Belton earned his bachelor degree from McNeese State University and his law degree from the Southern University Law Center, where was inducted to the Hall of Fame.

Leon Cannizaro is the District Attorney for the 41st Judicial District, a position he has held since 2009. Cannizaro spent five years as an assistant district attorney in Orleans Parish, including time as chief of the trials division, then worked in private practice and as a staff attorney for the Orleans Indigent Defenders Program. Cannizaro served 17 years as a judge in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court and five years as a judge on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal. Cannizaro earned a bachelor degree from the University of New Orleans and a law degree from Loyola University College of Law.

Bo Duhe is the District Attorney for the 16th Judicial District, a position he has held since 2015. Duhe previously worked as an assistant district attorney, including as first assistant, for over two decades. Duhe earned a bachelor degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and a law degree from Tulane University Law School.

Brian Frazier is the District Attorney for the 37th Judicial District, a position he has held since 2015. Frazier served as an assistant district attorney and a lawyer in private practice. Additionally, Frazier served as the city prosecutor in Columbia and Grayson. Frazier earned a bachelor degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a law degree from the Southern University Law Center.

Douglas Gonzales is the former United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, a position he held from 1972 to 1976. Gonzales later served as judge for 14 years at the Louisiana 19th Judicial District Court and 11 years on the Louisiana Circuit Court of Appeal for the First Circuit. Gonzales earned his bachelor degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from the Louisiana State University Law Center.

George Hesni is a retired Sergeant of the New Orleans Police Department and a former prosecutor in the 21st, 24th, and 41st Judicial Districts – including service as Chief of Criminal Division. Hesni earned a bachelor degree from Loyola University and a law degree from Loyola University College of Law. 

Jack Hoffstadt is a former prosecutor with over three decades of experience in the 4th, 22nd, 24th, and 41st Judicial Districts – including the screening and trials of public corruption. Hoffstadt earned a bachelor degree from Northwestern State University and a law degree from Loyola University College of Law.

Cam Morvant is the District Attorney for the 17th Judicial District, a position he has held since 2003. Morvant previously worked at the district attorney’s office for twenty years, responsible for prosecuting major felony trials and child abuse cases. Morvant earned a bachelor degree from Nicholls State University and a law degree from the Louisiana State University Law Center.

Jennifer Settoon is a former assistant district attorney for the 23rd Judicial District, where she was a full-time prosecutor concentrating on felony sex crimes. Settoon earned a bachelor degree from Louisiana State University and a law degree from the Louisiana State University Law Center.

Samuel Tolbert is Pastor of the Greater Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Lake Charles, a position he has held more than 30 years. Tolbert also serves on the board of supervisors for the Southern University System. Tolbert previously was a commissioner for the Lake Charles Housing Authority, a member of the Lake Charles City Council, and a member of the board of the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation. Tolbert earned a bachelor degree from the Historically Black Bishop College and a Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary.

Ed Tarpley is the former District Attorney for the 35th Judicial District, a position he held from 1991 to 1997. Tarpley has nearly four decades of legal experience. Tarpley earned a bachelor degree from Louisiana State University and a law degree from the Louisiana State University Law Center.

Investigations Section Transition Committee Members

Rodney Arbuckle is Sheriff of DeSoto Parish, a position he has held for over 16 years. Arbuckle has served 33 years in law enforcement. Arbuckle earned his bachelor degree from Wiley College. Arbckle is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, and the National Sheriff's Institute. Arbuckle serves on the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

Greg Champagne is the Sheriff of St. Charles Parish, a position he has held since his election in 1995. Champagne serves as vice president of the National Sheriff's Association's and as a member of the Eastern District/F.B.I. Joint Terrorism Task Force. Champagne has served in law enforcement for 30 years and as an assistant district attorney in St. Charles Parish for nearly 14 years. Champagne earned a bachelor degree from Nicholls State University and a law degree from the Louisiana State University Law Center. Champagne graduated from the FBI’s Law Institute for Prosecutors and the FBI's Law Enforcement Executive Development Program.

Jerry Denton is the City Marshal of Denham Springs, a position he has held since 2008. Denton previously served as a City Councilman for Denham Springs. His nearly thirty years of legal experience include service for three Attorneys General. Denton earned bachelor degrees from Nicholls State University and a law degree from the Southern University Law Center.

Charles Fuselier is the retired Sheriff of St. Martin Parish, a position he held from 1980 until 2003. Fuselier led the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office to become the first in Louisiana to receive the imprint of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Fuselier received the National Sheriff of the Year award in 1996.

Marlin Gusman is the Sheriff of Orleans Parish, a position he has held since 2004. Gusman previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of New Orleans and as a Member of the New Orleans City Council. Gusman earned his bachelor degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from Loyola University College of Law. Gusman is a graduate of the National Sheriffs' Institute and a member of the National Correctional Industries Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Victor Jones is the Sheriff of Natchitoches Parish, a position he has held since 2000. Jones also operates the Juvenile and Adult Drug Court Programs in Natchitoches Parish. Jones has served four decades in law enforcement. Jones is a graduate of more than 20 professional education programs, including the FBI National Academy. Jones also served as president of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association from 2009 to 2010.

Bry Layrisson is the Chief of Police for the city of Ponchatoula. Layrisson has over 15 years of law enforcement experience including service as a police officer for the city of Ponchatoula, a special agent for the Louisiana Department of Justice, a drug prevention officer for the Tangipahoa Parish School System, a narcotics task force canine detector investigator, and a member of the flotilla search and rescue team. He has also served as a volunteer deputy with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and the 7th Ward Marshal's Office.

Jonathan Liberto is the Constable of Jefferson Parish’s First Justice Court, a position he has held since 2009. Liberto has served nearly two decades in law enforcement, beginning his career with the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office. Liberto graduated from the OPCSO’s Basic Training Academy and participated in the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard Academy and the New Orleans Police Department’s SWAT School. Liberto is both POST and SWAT certified.

Steve Prator is Sheriff of Caddo Parish, a position he has held since his election in 1999. Prator served nearly three decades at the Shreveport Police Department in patrol, investigations, narcotics, and the canine unit. Prator was Shreveport’s Police Chief for eight years. Prator earned a bachelor degree from LSU-Shreveport. Prator is President in the Northwest District of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and an inductee of the Louisiana Criminal Justice Hall of Fame.

Recently, as reported in a release, the Attorney General–Elect contacted existing Department of Justice staff to thank them for their service and to encourage them to re-apply and join the new Administration. Landry has also been receiving resumes and applicants who wish to work for the Department of Justice through the online portal he created on his transition website at www.LandryTransition.com. Landry continues to encourage Louisiana citizens interested to apply through the site. 

Jeff Landry recently traveled to Washington, DC where he met with the staff of the National Association of Attorneys General to gain insight into the transition process and the work of other Attorneys General. Jeff also spoke with numerous former and current Attorney Generals from around the nation. Landry and some of his team members have been speaking with other current and former Louisiana Attorney General office employees.

Jeff Landry became Louisiana’s Attorney General-Elect after winning the Louisiana runoff election on November 21st. Landry is a successful attorney and entrepreneur who previously represented South Louisiana in the United States Congress. Prior to working as an attorney, owning a successful business, and graduating from Loyola University College of Law - Landry served as both a police officer and a Sheriff’s Deputy. Landry is a veteran of the Louisiana National Guard. 

In addition to Deputy Attorney General-Designate, the Transition Co-Chairs, and Committee Members - Landry’s Transition Team includes Michael Larisey, Millard Mule, Austin Stukins, Leilani Hardee, Paula Fuselier, Dee Champagne, Kate Broussard, and outside consultant Brent Littlefield. 

AG Elect Landry Working on Smooth, Efficient Transition at DOJ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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

Attorney General-Elect Jeff Landry Working on Smooth, Efficient Transition at Department of Justice

BATON ROUGE, LA - Attorney General-Elect Jeff Landry has begun his efforts to reform the Department of Justice (DOJ) to better serve the people of Louisiana.

"In order to accomplish a smooth and efficient transition, I have set up a process to evaluate current DOJ employees for possible employment in the new administration," said Landry. "To ensure everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to be considered, every current employee interested in continuing his or her employment may submit a resume and an application for employment.”

Similar to other presidential, gubernatorial, and state department transition processes - Landry is communicating with at-will employees to encourage they re-apply for positions within the new Attorney General Administration. He began that process with a letter, available for download here, which thanks employees for their service and asks them to begin thinking about re-applying.

"I will also be establishing Transition Committees who will help interview current and potential employees to make recommendations for employment," continued Landry. "All applicants dedicated to an honest, ethical, and hardworking office will be given utmost consideration so, together, we will make the Department of Justice a great agency for the people of our state.”

Landry expects to name Members of Committees over the coming days.

Additionally, Landry has launched a transition website which will include information on the Inauguration when it becomes available and which currently has a live portal to accept resumes and contact information from those interested in working for DOJ. There is also a form through which citizens can contact the Attorney General-Elect. The site is located at www.LandryTransition.com. Landry will continue to provide updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LandryforLA.

Nuclear Bomb In Louisiana AG Race

Photo source: The Dead Pelican

Tonight, Louisiana Record is reporting that Buddy Caldwell has approved millions in payments of taxpayer money to his supporters.

 BATON ROUGE — On television ads endorsing Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell for re-election, Paul Connick says a lot — but he never acknowledges that Caldwell approved $1.7 million in payments to his private practice. 

Connick is Jefferson Parish’s district attorney and his law firm has received 59 contracts from the Louisiana Office of Risk Management. By law, Caldwell’s office selects and appoints outside attorneys with the Office of Risk Management’s agreement. These contracts, and the potential conflict of interest they represent, have not been reported previously.

Another Caldwell ad features an endorsement from the powerful Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association without revealing that the association’s general counsel, T. Allen Usry, or his law firm Usry Weeks & Matthews, received more than $7 million worth of legal work at the direction of Caldwell’s staff and 11 other lucrative contracts. Usry, a prominent New Orleans trial lawyer, also is a former campaign manager for Caldwell. Usry has raised  $85,000 for Caldwell’s campaigns.

Landry has been running a campaign highlighting the unethical practices of Caldwell while holding the office.

Landry Holds Substantial Lead Over Caldwell; Vitter Has Momentum in Final Days

Photo source: Wikipedia

In the final days of the 2015 election, former Congressman Jeff Landry has a substantial lead over the incumbent, Buddy Caldwell, for the Attorney General's office.  Landry is leading in the latest JMC Analytics poll with 18 points, 45% - 27%.  Landry has been focusing hard on the history of corruption and questionable actions of Caldwell, such as the following:

1. During his initial run for the Attorney General's office, Caldwell made intimidating statements and threats against then Legislative Auditor, Dan Kyle, concerning an investigation into the use of funds in his office as DA in the 6th District.
2. Several of the public officials that have endorsed the re-election of Caldwell have financial and personal ties to Caldwell and his office.
3. Caldwell claims to be a Republican, but has a history of cavorting with liberal Democrats.

Vitter has been hitting hard, as of late, on the stance that Edwards has regarding Syrian refugees streaming into the country and the State of Louisiana.  Edwards has changed his stance on this issue after initially supporting the policies set about by President Obama.  The issue has pushed Vitter to within a 4 point race with Edwards, 47% - 44%.

The election is tomorrow.  These two races can determine the direction of the State of Louisiana and can lead us into a conservative direction or put us back on the path of the liberal, good ol' boy politics that we have been trying to shun for years.

Buddy Caldwell Has a History of Intimidation and Threats

Photo source: Facebook

A video released by Jeff Landry's campaign highlights intimidation efforts made by Buddy Caldwell while District Attorney in the 6th District.  The video can be found herewhich features Dan Kyle speaking of a meeting with Caldwell before he was elected to Attorney General in which Caldwell threatened Kyle for a report that highlighted improper expenses related to his office.

Landry's campaign released the following in an email release regarding this video:

A few years back, Mr. Caldwell was caught by the Legislative Auditor for abusing his local elected office by using your tax dollars to pay for personal expenditures. If that wasn’t bad enough, he took things a step further.

Mr. Caldwell aggressively confronted the Legislature’s Official Auditor, in what the Auditor and others described as a hostile manner. He used intimidation in an attempt to scare the Auditor from releasing his findings.

We have a bully and a long time Democrat that currently sits in the Attorney General's office that is the last vestige of the "good ol' boy" network in Louisiana.  It's time for Louisiana to elect a conservative to lead the fight against the liberal agenda of the federal government.  It's time to elect Jeff Landry.

Jeff Landry Leading Buddy Caldwell in Latest Hayride / MarblePort Poll

Photo source: The Hayride

As reported yesterday on The Hayride, the runoff for Louisiana Attorney General seems to be in Jeff Landry's favor over the incumbent, Buddy Caldwell.  The numbers indicate a large increase for Landry from previous polling numbers, which had Landry at 38%:

JEFF LANDRY 45.8% 

BUDDY CALDWELL 38.5% 

UNDECIDED15.7% 

Landry has earned the support of the endorsed Democratic candidate in the primary, Geri Broussard Baloney and this blog has reported the numerous endorsements for Buddy Caldwell that were either politically motivated or motivated for monetary reasons.

The election is less than two weeks away and Louisiana can finally rid the state of the corrupt practices of the "Buddy System."  Time for one last push for Landry to get to the finish line.

Jeff Landry Surging in Race for Attorney General

Jeff Landry is surging in the race for Attorney General.  

In the latest polling data released by JMC Analytics, Jeff Landry is up 4 points on incumbent Buddy Caldwell.  

Jeff is now leading, according to this statewide poll, 38% to 34%.  Landry is polling strongly throughout all regions of the State.

After a strong showing in the primary election, Jeff Landry’s momentum continues to grow after more than two thirds of the State rejected incumbent Attorney General Buddy Caldwell.  

What’s more telling, is that this poll was taken last week prior to the endorsement Landry received this week from Geri Broussard-Baloney, the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate for Attorney General in the October balloting, who received over 180,000 votes. This was apparently a history making total for an African American woman candidate. 

In casting her support to Jeff Landry, Broussard-Baloney had this to say:

After meeting with Jeff Landry, followed by prayerful consideration with my family, I have decided to endorse Jeff Landry because of his willingness to embrace forward thinking policies, his desire to actually transform and change the way the Attorney General’s office does business.

I ran for Attorney General because I truly believe that Louisiana cannot take another four years of Buddy Caldwell’s bad practices and policies. Jeff Landry is the only candidate that will address the critical issues that are important to Louisiana’s working families. 

Jeff is committed to reforming our broken criminal justice system. He understands the need for fiscal responsibility and inclusion in the Attorney General’s office. In addition, like myself, Jeff is an entrepreneur. He understands the important role small businesses play in our economy and will fight to protect our businesses.

With early voting beginning on Saturday, it is clear that Landry is building strong momentum heading into the general election.  

Factoring in the strong endorsement by Baloney-Broussard to put an end to the “Buddy System”, it is clear that the people of the State of Louisiana will be looking for new leadership in the Attorney General’s office.

Louisiana Democrat Endorsed Candidate for Attorney General Endorses Jeff Landry

Photo source: NOLA

Following the primary election in Louisiana for Attorney General, in which incumbent Buddy Caldwell and Jeff Landry secured a spot in the runoff, the Louisiana Democrat endorsed candidate, Geri Broussard Baloney, has come out in support of Landry today.  Citing his support for transforming the office, Ms. Baloney stated that Landry would be the best person for the job over the current officeholder.

She went further in her endorsement:

“After meeting with Jeff Landry, followed by prayerful consideration with my family, I have decided to endorse Jeff Landry because of his willingness to embrace forward thinking policies, his desire to actually transform and change the way the Attorney General’s office does business.

I ran for Attorney General because I truly believe that Louisiana cannot take another four years of Buddy Caldwell’s bad practices and policies. Jeff Landry is the only candidate that will address the critical issues that are important to Louisiana’s working families. Jeff is committed to reforming our broken criminal justice system. He understands the need for fiscal responsibility and inclusion in the Attorney General’s office. In addition, like myself, Jeff is an entrepreneur. He understands the important role small businesses play in our economy and will fight to protect our businesses.

Louisiana needs an Attorney General that will not squander the agencies resources to make brownie points with his political party. Jeff knows that crime and corruption have no boundaries or political party. I believe that Jeff is a coalition builder who will end the Buddy system of doling out huge no-bid contracts to political contributors. Instead, I believe that Jeff Landry will put the people of Louisiana first.

With so many problems facing our State, there is no question that Jeff Landry should be the next Attorney General for Louisiana. I invite all of my supporters to join me in supporting Jeff Landry for Attorney General.”

Congressman Landry had the following to say during the endorsement press conference:

“I am humbled to receive Geri’s endorsement, trust, and confidence.

Geri is like so many other Louisiana voters who know we need change in Baton Rouge. Geri and I both know the Attorney General’s office under Buddy Caldwell has been about rewarding the desires of a few, over the needs of the many. 

Justice should not be based on who you are, what part of the state you are from, your gender, your age, your political party, or your race. As Louisiana’s next Attorney General I will treat everybody fairly and equally so all citizens can develop trust that their government is there to work for them, not against them.”

The vote total for the two candidates combined in the primary totaled over 50%.

Buddy Caldwell and Huey P. Long

A great video showing the similarities between two of the most corrupt politicians to ever "serve" in Louisiana.  

The Hayride Takes Woody Jenkins and Buddy Caldwell to the Woodshed

Photo source: The Advocate

On Wednesday, Kevin Boyd of The Hayride put a proverbial switch to the backside of "conservative" Woody Jenkins and his support of Buddy Caldwell, of course which was paid for handsomely. 

Woody Jenkins has lost all credibility that he had left and has been insignificant in Louisiana for years.  His Capital City News has become nothing more than a money making racket for him and the last vestige of credibility went out the window when it was revealed that Jenkins' took endorsement money.

And today, John Binder posted on The Hayride a piece that chastises Caldwell for the utter corruptness that is rampant in the Attorney General's office.  He highlights some of the legal firms that have made off like bandits for work within the AG's office, of which 5 are below:

• Shows Cali & Walsh LLP – Donated $15,000
• Salim-Beasley LLc – Donated $6,000
• Morrow Morrow Ryan & Bassett – Donated $11,550
• Hammonds Sills Adkins & Guice LLP – Donated $200
• Usry, Weeks & Matthews APLC – Donated more than $100,000

Both pieces show that the AG's race is one of the most important elections this Saturday.  It's time to purge the state of the likes of Jenkins and Caldwell and the rest of the good ol' boys that have ravaged the reputation of this state for decades.  It's time to elect principled, conservative candidates, and for that reason, we need Jeff Landry as our next Attorney General.

The Preacher and the Politicians

Photo source:  fbcpollock.org

I don’t endorse political candidates.  I do my best to hold them accountable.  I am not a politician.  I am a preacher.  Political spin and posturing make me nauseous.  The last thing most politicians want is to go on record and be held accountablefor their campaign promises, but that is exactly what I intend to extract from them.

My wife, Patricia Gunter, briefly served as the Justice of the Peace in District D of Grant Parish.  When she was elected to office, she swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States.  Four months later, the Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage to be a constitutional right.  As a Christian who believes in the biblical definition of marriage, Trish was unable to uphold her oath of office which apparently required her to officiate same-sex marriages, so sheimmediately resigned  from office.  My wife didn’t make a very good politician.

A few days later, The Baton Rouge Advocate interviewed my wife and published an article about her resignation from office.  In that same article, the newspaper reported that the office of Attorney General Buddy Caldwell was advising Justices of the Peace that they were required to marry same-sex couples because “it’s their job. They are expected to do their job. It could be an ethics violation, if they don’t.”

A few months later, I was invited to a private “Meet and Greet” event with Mr. Caldwell.  I initially hesitated to attend, but I decided I had to go and ask him if the newspaper report was true.  After his speech, I was the first person to ask the Attorney General a question.  I read the reported quote and asked him: “Is it true that you said that public officials with the power to marry are required to officiate same-sex marriages even if doing so would violate their sincerely-held religious beliefs?”  In the typical style of a true politician, Mr. Caldwell spoke for several minutes in response to my question, but he failed to give me a direct answer.  So I asked a follow-up question: “In your legal opinion, do you believe that the First Amendment guarantee of religious liberty exempts a public official from officiating same-sex marriages if doing so would violate his or her sincerely-held religious beliefs?”  His answer was an astounding: “No.”  Mr. Caldwell explained that he does not personally believe in same-sex marriage, but the law now requires that a public official with the power to marry must officiate wedding ceremonies for both heterosexual and same-sex couples.

After the meeting was dismissed, Mr. Caldwell approached me to further discuss his stance.  I told him that I was very disappointed in his answer.  I referenced the arrest and incarceration of Kim Davis, a Clerk of Court in Kentucky, for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses as evidence that this newly declared “constitutional right” to same-sex marriage poses an imminent threat to the religious liberty of thousands of Americans.  I warned that his position effectively requires that all Bible-believing Christians can no longer hold a publicoffice which  grants them the power to marry.  I demonstrated this would establish a religious requirement that any public official with the power to marry must reject the teaching of the Bible and affirm same-sex marriage.  I told Mr. Caldwell that I expect my Attorney General to defend the religious liberties of the people he was elected to serve.  After many empty assurances, Mr. Caldwell refused to make any commitment to take that stand.

Last week, I received a phone call from Jeff Landry.  He told me that he heard about my conversation with Buddy Caldwell, and Mr. Landry assured me that if he is elected Attorney General he will lead the fight to defend the religious liberties of everyone in Louisiana.  He told me that no one should be forced to quit their job or face fines and possible incarceration because they refuse to violate their religious convictions.  Mr. Landry told me that if he had been in office, he would have defended my wife’s religious liberty and assured her that she did not have to quit her job simply because she is a Christian who cannot in good conscience marry same-sex couples.

I know politicians will often say whatever is needed to win an election, and then not keep their promises once in office.  However, I personally spoke to two of the candidates running for Attorney General.  Buddy Caldwell essentially told me that Christian public officials with the power to marry must forfeit their religious liberty or resign from office.  Jeff Landry told me that no person should ever be required to violate their religious convictions.  I know there aren’t any guarantees when we elect a politician, but this preacher has decided to vote for the one candidate who promised to defend my religious liberty.

Brian Gunter

Pastor 

First Baptist Church of Pollock

Update to Woody Jenkins Piece

Photo source: The Hayride

In an update to a piece placed on the blog earlier today accusing Jenkins of being Buddy Caldwell's shill, I would like to offer the following.  First, thank you to Ken Romero and Dr. John Sutherland for discussing the issue on their afternoon program on KPEL radio in Lafayette.  However, they mentioned that the implication was made that Jenkins was a liberal supporting Caldwell.  I'd like the reader to go back and read the piece and note that there was no mention of Jenkins as a liberal.

Now, I'd like to ask the following of both Mr. Romero and Dr. Sutherland.  Why would someone who calls himself a "conservative" support a candidate for public office that has the following history:

• Caldwell supports the reelection of liberal Democrat Barbara Norton to Louisiana legislature
• Caldwell called into question on pay-for-play on campaign contributions from chiropractics
• Caldwell supports a single payer system for healthcare
• Caldwell has several campaign contributors that worked on the BP settlement for the state

Now, I'm sure that Mr. Romero and Dr. Sutherland can support the position that they've made that I've accused Mr. Jenkins of being a liberal, which I have not.  However, why is really Woody supporting someone with the credentials of a Democrat?

Woody Jenkins, Paid Political Hack, Former Democrat and Caldwell Shill

Photo source: CSPAN

Woody Jenkins is a paid political operative, former Democratic Party official, failed candidate, and shill for Buddy Caldwell’s distortion campaign.

Jenkins was a decade-long Democrat legislator, who ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in 1978 and 1980. He conveniently switched parties to run and lose again for U.S. Senate in 1996.  Jenkins was also fined thousands by the Federal Election Commission for concealing $82,500 for a David Duke phone bank. He later lost again at a run for U.S. House of Representatives.

But Woody's epic failures have not deterred him from staying involved in politics. Nope, he is a paid political operative who will run negative campaigns against opponents of his paying clients.

The latest case shows how Jenkins, just like Caldwell, can't leave his Democrat roots.

Woody has launched political propaganda filled with lies and distortions against proven conservative Jeff Landry on behalf on lifelong Democrat Buddy Caldwell.

Jenkins operates what he calls a news service and newspaper, so he can profit from his political attacks.  His "reports" are nothing more than an old-school, good-old-boy, Democrat hit jobs against someone we all know and trust.

Lies like these clearly didn't work for Jenkins in the past and they won't this time either. We've learned about Caldwell's corrupt Buddy System and know it must end. This latest Jenkins smear campaign has us even more energized to back the honest, ethical, and conservative Jeff Landry.

Jeff Landry is a successful attorney who has handled millions of dollars in legal cases.  He has worked in multiple Louisiana court jurisdictions.  And even Mr. Jenkins has been forced to admit, Jeff Landry worked for one of Louisiana’s top law firms.

After Jeff Landry was successfully elected as a Republican to Congress with more than 60% of the vote, taking a seat held by the Democrats, Landry was no longer connected to Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith.

Working for Buddy Caldwell, Mr. Jenkins claims that Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith worked for the Attorney General’s office starting in March 2011.

In March 2011, Jeff Landry was already making national and state news for his efforts in Congress where he fought Obama’s federal overreach.

Failed Democratic politician Woody Jenkins, like Caldwell, can now claim he is a Republican.

The facts are Mr. Jenkins is a failed Democratic politician just like corrupt Buddy Caldwell.

Jeff Landry Issues Rebuttal to Caldwell's Accusations

In a rebuttal to Buddy Caldwell's accusations that he is not qualified for the office of Louisiana Attorney General, Jeff Landry issued the following via email today:

There’s a lot to be said about experience in this race.

It is critical for you, and your friends, to know I have worked as a successful Attorney for many years. 

I have handled millions of dollars in legal cases all across our State in multiple jurisdictional courts.

In this race, I am the only candidate who has been a successful lawyer, a lawmaker elected by the citizens of South Louisiana as a Congressman who took on Barack Obama’s federal overreach, and a law enforcement officer who fought crime on the front lines years ago.

In addition, I have owned and operated a successful Louisiana oil and gas small business where I created jobs and helped grow our economy.

Currently, Buddy Caldwell presides over the SECOND WORST legal environment in the ENTIRE COUNTRY. It’s a legal climate that is hostile to job creators and as a result has added to the devastation of our economy. Jobs are leaving the state and stakeholders are opting to conduct business elsewhere as a result.

We need an Attorney General who will bring to the table the type of experience needed to help clean up our legal climate and help Louisiana get back to work.

The legal field is similar to the practice of medicine in that there are various types of law in which attorneys practice. You wouldn’t go to an orthopedic surgeon for brain surgery; you would go to a neurosurgeon. Similarly, if you were closing on your home mortgage loan, you would not call a personal injury attorney; you would find a good real estate attorney.

Almost all of our criminal cases in Louisiana are handled at the District Attorney level. Rarely does the Attorney General prosecute those kinds of cases, and when they do it is the Assistants who travel to those courtrooms and make those arguments. The vast majority of litigation that is overseen by the Attorney General’s office has nothing to do with criminal prosecution. On the contrary, it’s mostly civil litigation and given our legal climate and the economy in the shape it’s in we need an AG who will focus on the impact we have on job creators.

We need an AG with over a decade of experience practicing corporate law, experience as a lawmaker, and experience as a law-enforcer.

That is why I am running for Attorney General.

Our current Attorney General looks at Louisiana businesses as an ATM machine with which to reward his Democratic campaign donors.

I am running to bring ethics, professionalism, and hard work to the Attorney General’s office.

We need an Attorney General who will work with our job creators, not harm our economy.

In early voting starting this Saturday or on October 24th - I hope you will take a close look at the shape of our state, think about how much better it could be if jobs weren’t leaving the state at an alarming rate and how much better it would be if our children had an opportunity to live and work in the state we call home.

Louisiana is a good state; let’s work to make it great.

I ask for your vote as our next Attorney General. 

Sincerely,
Jeff Landry

Landry Campaign Unleashes New Video Highlighting Caldwell's Liberal Tendencies

In what's the latest jab at Buddy Caldwell's history of support of liberal politicians, Jeff Landry issued this video highlighting Caldwell's "love" of Mary Landrieu, the recently vanquished Senator from Louisiana,

GNO Republicans Endorse Jeff Landry for Attorney General

Photo source: LandryForLouisiana.com

 St. Tammany Parish GOP, Jefferson Parish GOP, Orleans Parish GOP, St. Bernard GOP, St. Charles Parish GOP, St. John Parish GOP choose Landry over Incumbent.

METAIRIE, LA – At a press conference this afternoon, local Republican Parties from the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area announced their endorsements of Jeff Landry for Attorney General.

“Jeff Landry is a conservative lawmaker, a successful businessman, and a former law enforcement officer who is uniquely qualified to be Louisiana’s next Attorney General. The St. Tammany Parish Republican Party overwhelmingly endorses Jeff Landry for Attorney General, and we encourage everyone to vote for Jeff this month,” said St. Tammany GOP Chairman Peter Egan. 

“The Jefferson Parish Republican Party believes that Jeff Landry embodies the Republican principles of compassion, adherence to the Constitution, and fiscal conservatism,” said Jefferson GOP Chairwoman Polly Thomas. “The Jefferson Parish Republican Party urges voters to cast their ballots for Jeff Landry on October 24th or during the early voting period of October 10th through 17th.”

“The Orleans Parish Republican Party is proud to endorse Jeff Landry for Attorney General,” said Orleans GOP Vice Chairman Adrian Bruneau. “We are confident Mr. Landry will return the Office of Attorney General to a positive direction and value-based leadership.”

“Jeff Landry represented St. Bernard with distinction and honor in Congress, and we know he will continue to defend the Constitution and promote our conservative values,” said St. Bernard GOP Chairman Mark Madary. “The St. Bernard Republican Party endorses Jeff Landry for Attorney General, and we encourage everyone from Arabi to Chalmette and Meraux to Violet to vote for Jeff Landry.” 

“Jeff Landry is honest and ethical; you can trust him. Jeff is uniquely qualified as a former lawmaker, law enforcement officer, and lawyer. The St. Charles Parish Republican Party endorses Jeff Landry for Attorney General, and I urge everyone to vote Jeff Landry for Attorney General,” said St. Charles GOP Chairman Garrett Monti. 

“The St. John the Baptist Republican Party knows the Attorney General is one of the most important offices in Louisiana, and we have given a great deal of thought to which candidate would best represent our state. After reviewing the candidates’ backgrounds and qualifications, the St. John Parish Republican Party has determined Congressman Landry’s unique combination of experience, conservatism, and integrity make him the best choice to represent all of Louisiana’s citizens,” said St. John GOP Vice Chairman Allan Reynaud.

In accepting these endorsements, Landry concluded: “I am grateful to have earned the support of the Greater New Orleans Republican Parties. We recognize change is needed to fight federal overreach and make our communities safer. Together, we will make Louisiana a better place to live, work, and raise our families.”

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.