After last week’s Federal government shutdown ended, State
Senator Elbert Guillory sent out a very cryptic Facebook post.
Guillory, a State Senator from Acadiana whose popularity
soared earlier this year after he switched back to the Republican Party, has
been the subject of rumors over what his next political job will be.
Speculation has run the gamut from a face-off next year against U.S. Senator
Mary Landrieu (and Congressman Bill Cassidy and darkhorse Rob Maness) to a Lt.
Governor run in 2015. Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser (R) has
already declared his intention to run for the Lt. Governor seat.
Guillory’s Facebook post and video implies that he is leaning towards
the U.S. Senate.
“In 2014, you and I will have a rendezvous with destiny. No
more kicking the can down the road” a reference to the Congress pushing back
the dates again for another budget battle.
Guillory, along with current Lt. Governor (and Gubernatorial
candidate) Jay Dardenne, will be the featured speakers at a Republican dinner
Wednesday, October 30th at Five Happiness in New Orleans. The dinner
is $26. To RSVP, contact estoner@cox.net.
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It’s seems like it’s all the rage to form a PAC these days.
In fact, Steve Kroft at 60 Minutes ran a report about PAC and campaign finance
abuse and candidates using their campaign funds to enhance their lifestyle
(NOTE: I need to tell Steve about our very own Ben Zahn and his epic eating and gift card purchases with campaign money).
60 Minutes profiled several Congressmen and Senators who
have used their PACs for golf outings, trips to Scotland, and putting their
family members on the payroll (Louisiana’s own newly retired Rodney Alexander).
Senator David Vittter has a PAC. Several Congressmen too. A
month or so ago, State Senator Elbert Guillory formed a PAC himself. Vitter has
tried unsuccessfully to get a bill passed that would eliminate PACs from hiring
family members.
Jindal’s PAC is a “conservative policy group” that will “focus
on winning a war of ideas.”
It is not known if Jindal will use American Next to further
his own political agenda and nationwide tour, or use it to help finance the campaigns
of others.
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The primary to fill the remaining year of former U.S.
Congressman Rodney Alexander was won by two Republicans. Alexander is now
working in the Jindal Administration after his abrupt resignation from
Congress.
State Senator Neil Riser from Columbia and Monroe
businessman Vance McAllister, led a 14-person field in Saturday’s primary. The
two will face off against each other November 16th.
Riser received 32% of the vote while newcomer McAllister had
18%. Riser was supported by Governor Jindal, Alexander and many in the
Republican Party.
Curiously, in this heavily Democratic district, the top
Democrat, Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo finished 3rd with 15%, followed by
Public Service Commissioner (and former Congressman) Clyde Holloway with 11%.
Four Democrats received just under 30% of the vote, while 5
Republicans captured 68%. Overall turnout was 21.5%.
