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.

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

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.

Fund for Louisiana's Future Releases "Common" Video

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

Jeff Landry Files for October 24th Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday September 8, 2015 

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

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

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

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

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Solution Fund PAC Fundraiser Scheduled on 9/24/15

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

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

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

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

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

 Vitter responds to Landrieu mass email

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

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

September 4, 2015

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

Dear Mitch:

A friend forwarded me your mass email, attached.

Really, Mitch?

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

David Vitter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s start by removing the Liberty Place monument.

Sincerely,

Mitch Landrieu

Rick Santorum in Lafayette This Week for Fundraiser

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

Ditch Qualifies for Iberia Parish President Race

David Ditch, Republican candidate for Iberia Parish President, qualified this morning in New Iberia for the election this fall.  Pictured with Ditch is his father, Dr. Carl Ditch.

New Iberia– David Ditch officially qualified as a candidate for Iberia Parish President today at the Clerk of Courts office in New Iberia.

Ditch, a 38-year-old Republican and lifelong native of Iberia Parish, is running to fill the position being vacated by current parish president, Errol Romero. Ditch is the current Iberia Parish council member representing District 7. The primary election will be held on Saturday, October 24th.

“It’s going to take innovative conservative leadership in order get our parish back on a track towards economic stability, to provide our children a quality education and to create better jobs for our families. I’m eager for the chance to share my conservative vision with the voters and I am looking forward to the weeks ahead,” Ditch said.

David Ditch is a graduate of Louisiana State University where he earned his degree in Business and his Master in Business Administration. Following graduation from LSU, Ditch has built two small businesses in Iberia Parish; Home Instead Senior Care, which provides opportunities for seniors to remain independent in their homes, and Private Workforce Solutions, which provides labor alternatives for the industrial, agricultural and oil and gas sectors.

Ditch is a Conservative Republican who believes in protecting the right to life, the 2nd Amendment, traditional marriage and protecting families and businesses from an overreaching federal government.

In addition to serving on the Iberia Parish Council Ditch has actively served the community as a board member of Kiwanis, PepperPlex, Bourgeois 2030 and Ducks Unlimited. He is also an avid hunter and fisherman.

Ditch is the son of Iberia Parish Coroner Dr. Carl Ditch and the late Lynn Ditch. David and his wife Jessica have three children, Kate Avery Walker and Sawyer.

For more information about David Ditch or the campaign, please visit www.davidditch.com