EBR GOP MAKES ENDORSEMENTS FOR JUDGE (GREAT SLATE!)

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH MAKES ENDORSEMENTS FOR LOCAL JUDGESHIPS ON NOV. 4 BALLOT

The Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish has endorsed several candidates for judge in the Nov. 4, 2014, election. The party's executive committee, which is elected by the Republican voters of the parish for a four-year term, interviewed each candidate seeking the endorsement and required each candidate to complete an extensive questionnaire. The party reviewed the candidates' background, academic history, prior service on the bench or practice of law, and reputation in the community.

Based on all of these factors, the Republican Party of the parish has endorsed the following judicial candidates:

• District Judge, ES3, Division I — Attorney Randy Piedrahita

(Piedrahita, a political newcomer, appears to be poised to oust the incumbent in this race. Also endorsed by the local fire and police organizations and the Tea Party of Louisiana.)

• District Judge, ES2, Division A — Incumbent Judge Todd Hernandez

(GOP incumbent looks bound for re-election.)

•(District Judge, ES2, Division G — Incumbent Judge Richard Anderson

(GOP incumbent another lock for re-election.)

• District Judge, ES2, Division I — Metro Councilman Trae Welch
(Welch is clearly working hard to oust the Democrat incumbent. Also endorsed by local fire and police organizations)

• District Judge, ES2, Division M — Former Assistant District Attorney Beau Higginbotham
(Higginbotham, a hard charging political newcomer, appears to be leading the field in this open seat race. Also endorsed by local fie and police organizations.)

• Family Court Judge, Section 3, Division D — Rep. Hunter Greene

(Greene is giving the incumbent all she can handle. Strong campaign should result in victory.)

COMMENTS: Strong slate of judicial candidates supported by GOP. Our congrats to all endorsed. 

GRAVES ORDERED TO TESTIFY IN CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION SCANDAL

Garret Graves Under Court Order To Be Deposed By Felder's Legal Team

BATON ROUGE- 6th district congressional candidate Cassie Felder had previously filed a motion for contempt of court against fellow candidate Garret Graves which was heard this morning in state district court.

Felder prevailed in her original goal of compelling Graves to testify under oath as to 'what he knew and when he knew it' regarding his on going relationship with The Political Firm.

The ruling by Judge Tim Kelley today compels Graves to testify within the next 21 days. Last week Graves refused to appear at his previously scheduled deposition.

On a separate issue, Kelley dismissed out-of-hand a claim by The Political Firm that they had been defamed in this legal process.

GARRET GRAVES CONTEMPT OF COURT HEARING SET FOR MONDAY MORNING

NEWS RELEASE

BATON ROUGE- Cassie Felder, a local attorney and candidate for U.S. Representative in Louisiana’s 6th District, filed a motion for contempt of court against one of her opponents in the race. Hearing on the motion for contempt is scheduled for Monday, September 29.

“On Monday, September 15, Garret Graves ignored his legal responsibility to appear for a court ordered deposition. In so doing, Mr. Graves triggered a motion for Contempt of Court.

Ignoring a court order is a serious matter and if Mr. Graves believes that court orders do not apply to him, then he needs to explain his reasoning to the court. He will have his chance this Monday morning at 19th JDC, 9:30 AM, in Judge Timothy Kelley’s courtroom, 10D. Mr. Graves may or may not appear at his own

Contempt of Court hearing, but as an attorney, I would advise my client to show respect rather than contempt for the court, and to show up.”

DIETZEL LEGALLY CHANGED HIS NAME FROM STEPHEN TO PAUL?

Dietzel benefits from family name 

http://theadvocate.com/news/opinion/10366175-123/stephanie-grace-dietzel-benefits-from

Say “Paul Dietzel” to many voters, and they’ll likely conjure grainy pictures of gridiron glory gone by. The Paul Dietzel on the ballot, though, is the grandson of the legendary LSU coach. At 28, he’s, by far, the youngest candidate.

Dietzel acknowledged that the name gives him a leg up. To the extent that it exists, voter confusion is his friend.

“Names in political elections always are a big deal. It’s how people remember you. Fortunately in my case, my grandfather had a great legacy.

EXCERPT FROM LAPOLITICS WEEKLY:

"As Paul Dietzel fights for turf against the other Red Stick Republicans, he has become a lightning rod for accusations that bring into question one of his strongest assets: his name, which at birth was Stephen Paul Dietzel II. He had it legally changed to Paul Dietzel in January, months after announcing for Congress. That it matches the name of his famous grandfather, the late coach of the 1958 national championship LSU football team, is circumstantial, he said in a recent interview." 

(THE CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE FORMERLY KNOWN AS STEVE? MAYBE HE SHOULD GET HIMSELF A SYMBOL LIKE PRINCE.)

“He (McAllister) has wrecked my life”

Sam Hanna Jr.: McAllister can go to Heaven

Since forgiveness and redemption, and character too, are the hot topics that are being bantered about throughout the 5th District as well as conveyed in the TV commercial that McAllister aired beginning this week, we should pause and reflect upon some remarks that Melissa Peacock’s husband, Heath, made to CNN shortly after McAllister’s and Peacock’s extramarital relationship was exposed.

“He (McAllister) has wrecked my life,” said Heath Peacock.

And since Heath Peacock and McAllister apparently have known one another well for years, we have to assume Heath Peacock was speaking openly and honestly when he told CNN, "I know his beliefs. When he ran one of his commercials, he said, ‘I need your prayers,’ and I asked him, ‘When did you get religious?’ He said, ‘When I needed votes.’”

“He broke out the religious card and he’s about the most non-religious person I know,” Peacock said of McAllister.

As Christians, we are taught to forgive. And I suspect most Christians in the 5th District and beyond forgive McAllister for seemingly stomping on the Seventh Commandment. I know I do.

But that doesn’t mean we should reward him.

http://www.hannapub.com/ouachitacitizen/opinion/columns/sam-hanna-jr-mcallister-can-go-to-heaven/article_dbe5cf3a-437e-11e4-ae37-001a4bcf6878.html

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GARRET GRAVES A NO SHOW.. CONTEMPT OF COURT?

Felder seeks contempt finding for Graves 

A lawsuit involving Republican candidates for the 6th congressional district heated up again when Cassie Felder asked a judge Thursday to hold Garret Graves in contempt of court.

No hearing date has been set.

Graves refused to be questioned under oath in a lawsuit Felder filed against her former campaign strategists, who quit her campaign and joined his. 

Felder’s campaign apparently wants to know when Graves first considered hiring Hebert and Hobbs, and whether any confidential information about her and her campaign was passed along. 

http://blogs.theadvocate.com/politicsblog/2014/09/18/felder-seeks-contempt-finding-for-graves/

CASSIDY PULLING AWAY IN LATEST POLL (UP BY 13%)

FOX NEWS POLL

Senate battlegrounds: Louisiana  

CASSIDY 51%, LANDRIEU 38%

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/interactive/2014/09/17/senate-battlegrounds-louisiana/

GRAVES SHUT OUT BY EBR GOP, ENDORSE CLAITOR, WHITNEY & CANDIDATE FORMERLY KNOWN AS 'STEVE'

Baton Rouge GOP chooses three candidates 

The district has 74,267 registered Republicans in East Baton Rouge Parish but more than 100,000 of parish’s voters cast ballots for Republican Cassidy two years ago.

“This is the largest political group in the race, so this is a very important endorsement,” said Claitor, whose state senate district is completely in the 6th congressional district. “I’m pleased to get their seal of approval.” 

“As the State Representative from Terrebonne Parish and Lafourche Parish, I am humbled and honored to be endorsed by such a distinguished organization as the EBR Republican Party,” Whitney said in a prepared statement. She also is the Republican National Committeewoman from Louisiana.

http://theadvocate.com/news/10299882-123/baton-rouge-gop-chooses-three

LABI 2014 Legislative Scorecard: Rep, Lenar Whitney 100%, Sen. Dan Claitor 96%

LABI Releases 2014 Legislative Scorecard   

6TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES: Rep, Lenar Whitney 100%, Sen. Dan Claitor 96%

Baton Rouge, La. – The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) is releasing today scores earned by all members of the Louisiana House and Senate on LABI’s 2014 Legislative Scorecard.

After tabulating more than 45 votes cast during the 2014 legislative session, nearly 21 percent of state legislators earned an “A” (90-100) for voting in support of the priority issues outlined in LABI’s 2014 Program of Work, earning a spot on ‘LABI’s 2014 All-Star Team.’ Additionally, the four lawmakers who earned a perfect 100 percent score – Reps. Richard Buford, R-Stonewall; Simone Champagne, R-Jeanerette; Nancy Landry, R-Lafayette; and Lenar Whitney, R-Houma – will receive special designation as ‘LABI’s 2014 Most Valuable Policymakers.’ 

http://labi.org/labi-news/labi-releases-2014-legislative-scorecard-highlighting-pro-business-legislators

Abraham: 'Somebody has to step up' 

"It's not the America in which we grew up," said Abraham, who celebrated his 60th birthday Tuesday. "Somebody has to step up and change it."

Abraham considers himself a conservative who doesn't believe in alienating those who aren't.

"We have to reach a consensus so we can thrive and succeed as a people and as a country," he said. "I'm the guy who wants to talk to the other side and come up with solutions."

Abraham said he's against expanding Medicaid in Louisiana and believes the Affordable Care Act is a failure that must be reformed either through repeal or new legislation. 

http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/politics/2014/09/17/abraham-somebody-step/15804937/

RAPIDES GOP COMMITTEE ENDORSES ABRAHAM FOR CONGRESS (LA05)

Rapides Parish Republican Party Officially Endorses Dr. Ralph Abraham in (LA-05) Congressional Race 

The Rapides Parish Republican Party voted on all Republican candidates in LA's 5th Congressional District race, and the committee has announced that Dr. Ralph Abraham has their full support and sole endorsement.

Chairman, Wayne Ryan, said, “The Rapides Republican Parish Executive Committee is excited to endorse Dr. Ralph Abraham for the 5th Congressional District. Dr. Abraham has lived out his conservative values in his professional life, home life, his community service activities and his service to our country in the military. One of the biggest accomplishments Dr. Abraham will bring back to our Congressional District, is honor, the restoration of integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness while representing us in Congress.”

"Rapides Parish and Central Louisiana are so vital for our state's future. I know that Fort Polk is just outside of the 5th District Congressional lines, but you can rest assured if elected that I will work shoulder to shoulder with Congressman John Fleming in doing whatever it takes to maintain and restore the jobs and federal defense assets we have on the ground in Louisiana. As a veteran myself, I know first-hand what it means to have these military installations in our state," said Abraham.
In response to numerous polls showing Abraham taking the lead among the other Republicans in the race, Campaign Manager Luke Letlow said, "We are encouraged that numerous polls continue to show our campaign continuing to lead the pack, but we're going to wake up every day, and assume we're in last place."

Dr. Ralph Abraham is a physician, veteran, pilot, farmer, and former veterinarian. He was raised in North Louisiana and currently serves his community as a rural physician in Mangham, LA. He is a Republican, and is focused on restoring honor, integrity, and conservative leadership to Congress. Please visit www.ralphabraham.com for more information. 

Landrieu internal review reveals 43 trips inappropriately funded

The Hill: Landrieu internal review reveals 43 trips inappropriately funded 

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/217611-landrieu-internal-review-reveals-43-trips-inappropriately 

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) found that over $33,700 in campaign flights were inappropriately charged to her official account in an internal review of her finances released Friday.

The report is sure to draw added scrutiny to her use of charter planes just as her main opponent, Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), is set to introduce a resolution meant to highlight such spending, which he calls a "waste of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars."

The review, which was released four days after her self-imposed deadline of Sept. 8, found that the senator took 43 trips, which amounted to 136 campaign functions, that were paid for by funds meant for official business only. Eleven percent of the total amount Landrieu’s office paid for chartered flights should have been paid out of her campaign funds, the review found. 

NEW POLL: EDWARDS STILL LEADS 6TH DISTRICT RACE, CLAITOR, DIETZEL TIED FOR SECOND, WHITNEY MOVING UP

EDWARDS STILL LEADS 6TH DISTRICT RACE, CLAITOR, DIETZEL TIED FOR SECOND, WHITNEY MOVING UP 

(Excerpts from JEREMY ALFORD at LAPOLITICS WEEKLY  http://lapolitics.com/lapolitics-weekly/)

Former Gov. Edwin Edwards maintained his seemingly guaranteed runoff spot by garnering 32 percent against a crowded field. 

State Sen. Dan Claitor and entrepreneur Paul Dietzel are tied at 19 percent. State Rep. Lenar Whitney of Houma who pulled the most support out of Livingston, posted 11 percent overall. 

   

Garret Graves, former advisor to Gov. Bobby Jindal, received 7 percent, followed in the poll by Bob Bell, 4 percent; Cassie Felder, 3 percent; Craig McCulloch, 2 percent; Richard Dean Lieberman, 1 percent; and Trey Thomas, 1 percent.

   

Edwards loses in all runoff scenarios polled: to Dietzel, 60-40; Claitor, 59-41; and Whitney, 55-45.

Pollster Darrell Glascock said a group of Baton Rouge lobbyists and a lawyer in Washington, D.C., underwrote the survey in an effort to size up the field

    

   

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BOB MANN: THE SAD DEMISE OF THE LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

THE SAD DEMISE OF THE LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY 

By Robert Mann

http://bobmannblog.com/2014/09/09/the-sad-demise-of-the-louisiana-democratic-party/ 

When it comes to political candidates, former Gov. Edwin Edwards is unacceptable in almost every way.

That’s why it was so disappointing to learn that the state’s Democratic State Central Committee had overwhelmingly endorsed Edwards for Congress on Monday. In embracing Edwards’ campaign, the state’s Democrats endorsed someone who represents the worst of the state’s political history – a sorry legacy of corruption that has now sullied their party and finally persuaded me to change my party registration. 

By endorsing Edwards, the Louisiana Democratic Party embraced Louisiana’s corrupt past. It said that winning, not governing honestly and well, is the more important thing. Its leaders said they’d rather be represented by a crook than a conservative. I want no part of such a political party.

DEMOCRATS VOTE TO 'PUT THE CON BACK IN CONGRESS,' ENDORSE EWE IN 6TH

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY ENDORSES FORMER GOV. EDWIN EDWARDS IN 6TH DISTRICT 

The endorsement announcement this week notes that the state party’s governing body voted “overwhelmingly” in favor of the endorsement. 

Edwards, 87, was released from federal prison in 2011.

He served four terms as governor and seven years in Congress.

http://blogs.theadvocate.com/politicsblog/2014/09/08/louisiana-democratic-party-endorses-former-gov-edwin-edwards-in-6th-district/

ALFORD: McAllister Becomes Target of Duck Shoot

McAllister Becomes Target of Duck Shoot

(EXCERPTS FROM LAPOLITICS WEEKLY)

Ever since Congressman Vance McAllister, R-Swartz, was caught on video kissing a married staffer in April, the reaction from the reality TV family that endorsed him last year has been quieter than the early-morning opening hours of duck season. But after a few carefully called quacks and a bit of patience in the blinds, the inaugural shotgun blows are loud and clear.

“The last dude last year fed us a lie. I don’t even know the dude.”

That’s how “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson eased into the topic Friday night at a fundraiser in Lake Charles for Zach Dasher, who he described as “my little nephew who came from the loins of my sister.”

“I believe in that same forgiveness that Miss Kay gave Phil when he atoned for his sins and she decided to let Phil back in their house,” McAllister said, referring to Robertson’s wife, who is also featured on the A&E reality show. It’s also a nod to Phil Robertson’s dark past of drinking, drugs and infidelity, of which he has made no secret. 

http://lapolitics.com/2014/09/alford-mcallister-becomes-target-of-duck-shoot/

GALLUP & REUTERS POLLING SHOWS OBAMA JOB APPROVAL DOWN TO 38%

GALLUP & REUTERS POLLING SHOWS OBAMA JOB APPROVAL DOWN TO 38%

(OBAMA IS A HEAVY CROSS TO CARRY HERE IN LOUISIANA. HIS NUMBERS ARE EVEN WORSE HERE.)


GALLUP POLL

http://www.gallup.com/poll/113980/Gallup-Daily-Obama-Job-Approval.aspx

REUTERS, IPSOS POLL

http://polling.reuters.com/#!response/CP3/type/day/dates/20130101-20140904

5th Congressional District Poll Shows (Duck Dynasty Cousin) Zach Dasher Drops to 7%

5th Congressional District Poll Shows Dasher Drops To 7%

A poll by the Glascock Group in Alexandria shows candidates for the 5th Congressional District would do well to avoid Gov. Bobby Jindal's support. The poll showed 53 percent of voters were less likely to vote for a candidate whose campaign staff was associated with the governor.

Dasher has denied he is the governor's chosen candidate. However, Dasher has many campaign staffers, including Jindal's favorite consultant Timmy Teepell, that worked on state Sen. Neil Riser's ill-fated campaign for the same office last year.

Riser had the full backing of Jindal and the state Republican Party. Dasher picked up 7 percent in the poll. Jindal's office declined to comment.

Glascock also asked about how support from the Robertson family of "Duck Dynasty" might influence Dasher's campaign. Dasher is the nephew of patriarch Phil Robertson. The poll showed most people (39 percent) didn't care, 32 percent were less likely to vote for Dasher, and 29 percent were more likely to vote for Dasher.

Beyond the toxic numbers for Jindal's support, incumbent Rep. Vance McAllister, R-Swartz, fell from leading the pack in previous polls to second place with 20 percent.

Republican Ralph Abraham, a doctor from Alto, took the lead with 22 percent. It's the first time McAllister has polled behind a candidate this race.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/09/bobby_jindal_toxic_to_candidat.html

CASSIDY JUMPS AHEAD OF LANDRIEU IN LATEST SENATE POLL

Louisiana Senate: Cassidy (R) 44%, Landrieu (D) 41%


Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy has edged ahead of incumbent Democrat Mary Landrieu in Louisiana’s hotly contested U.S. Senate race.

A new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Louisiana Voters finds Cassidy with 44% of the vote and Landrieu with 41%. Nine percent (9%) like some other candidate in the race, while six percent (6%) are undecided. 

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2014/louisiana/election_2014_louisiana_senate

ABRAHAM JUMPS TO LEAD IN 5TH DISTRICT, KISSIN' CONGRESSMAN DOWN TO 20%

Abraham jumps McAllister in 5th District poll 

Republican Dr. Ralph Abraham of Alto has overtaken incumbent Republican Congressman Vance McAllister of Swartz in the first non-candidate poll taken since the full field was set, according to The Glascock Group.

Abraham led the poll of 466 likely voters with 22 percent, followed by McAllister with 20 percent and Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo, the only Democrat in the race, with 15 percent.

Republican Monroe businessman Harris Brown broke into double digits with 11 percent. Brown polled 6 percent in the previous poll.

Glascock, who has been polling the race since early summer, said a group of Baton Rouge lobbyists and Washington political bloggers commissioned the poll.

The numbers are in stark contrast to Glascock’s last poll in which McAllister led with 27 percent and Mayo followed with 21 percent before the complete field was set with qualifying.

Glascock believes said the surprise entrance of Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Clyde Holloway, R-Forest Hill, was the primary reason for the change. Holloway was fourth in the poll with 9 percent.

“This thing has flipped upside down,” Gascock said. “I thought Holloway would hurt Abraham, but it appears he’s hurting McAllister in the southern part of the district.”

Also retreating in Glascock’s latest poll is Republican Zach Dasher of Calhoun, a “Duck Dynasty” cousin, with 7 percent. Dasher had polled 14 percent in Glascock’s previous poll.

http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/politics/2014/09/03/abraham-jumps-mcallister-th-district-poll/15025625/

Former Louisiana Sen. John Breaux lobbying for Russian bank fighting U.S. sanctions

Breaux, who represented Louisiana in the Senate from 1987-2005 and is senior counsel for Squire Patton Boggs. Neither Breaux nor a spokesman for Squire Patton Boggs responded to a request for comment Tuesday. 

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/09/former_louisiana_sen_john_brea_2.html#incart_river 

NOTE: Sixth District Congressional candidate Garret Graves spent a dozen years working in Washington as a committee staffer and aide for both Democratic U.S. Sen. John Breaux and U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin, R-Chackbay...

Breaux hired to lobby for a Russian bank against sanctions imposed by President

ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- Former Sens. John Breaux, D-La., and Trent Lott, R-Miss., have been hired to lobby for a Russian bank against sanctions imposed by President Barak Obama over that nation's military intervention in Ukraine.

The hiring of Breaux and Lott by Gasprombank was disclosed in a lobbying disclosure form filed Friday with the Senate. The information was first revealed by the Center on Public Integrity, which monitors lobbying disclosure reports.
Breaux, who represented Louisiana in the Senate from 1987-2005 and is senior counsel for Squire Patton Boggs. Neither Breaux nor a spokesman for Squire Patton Boggs responded to a request for comment Tuesday.

Breaux,  a former chief majority whip for Democrats in the Senate, while Lott, the Senate's former majority leader, began lucrative lobbying careers after leaving Congress. They formed their own lobbying firm, and later joined Patton-Boggs.

Gasprombank is a Russian bank that is among the businesses targeted by Obama administration sanctions for the Russian intervention in the Ukraine. It is controlled by Russia's state-owned energy company, Gasprom.

The disclosure form filed by Squire Patton Boggs said that Breaux and Lott would represent the bank on "banking laws and regulations including applicable sanctions."

The disclosure form doesn't say how much the lobbying firm is being paid for its efforts on behalf of the Russian bank.

http://blog.nola.com/politics/print.html?entry=/2014/09/former_louisiana_sen_john_brea_2.html