AG Jeff Landry Spearheading Bipartisan Effort on Obamacare Replacement

Photo source: Twitter

In what is another example of Attorney General Jeff Landry showing true leadership in Baton Rouge, a bill working it’s way through the legislature, which would replace Obamacare, is receiving bipartisan support  

State Attorney General Jeff Landry, a former Republican congressman, has spearheaded the effort, saying it would inject real competition into the health insurance market, reduce costs for consumers and provide a safety net for those whose pre-existing conditions, such as cancer and diabetes.  

 “What we’re doing is going back to federalist principles, working within the long-established powers of the state,” Mr. Landry said. “It will be interesting to see what the governor will do.”

The ball is in the Governor’s court. Let’s see if he truly is worthy of that “Honor Code” label he loves to use

Read more:  Louisiana Republicans win Democrats' support with first Obamacare replacement

LOUISIANA FAMILY FORUM: Oppose Louisiana ERA Bill

Photo source: Baptist Message

LFF OPPOSES SCR 2 by Sen. J.P. Morell (D New Orleans) and the ratification of the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment. This dangerous resolution, which could codify a right to abortion into the U.S. Constitution, will be heard as early as next week.

It is important that your State Senator hears from you today! Click here to find your Senator and urge them to VOTE NO on SCR2!

How does this amendment ERAse women’s’ progress?

1. ERA would codify a federal right to abortion into the constitution.

2. Every pro-life law on the books in Louisiana and across the nation would be in jeopardy, including restrictions on taxpayer funding of abortion.

3. ERA would empower the federal courts to re-define “sex” beyond biology.

4. Biological sex at birth will be re-negotiated giving sexual politics constitutional status.

5. ERA threatens fundamental religious freedom.

6. People who disagree with new gender definitions and want to live out their faith peacefully could be subject to criminal penalties. Church tax exempt status would be in jeopardy over policies and practices regarding all-male clergy.

7. ERA jeopardizes privacy and safety.

8. By removing traditional gender norms like separate bathrooms, locker rooms, hospital and nursing home rooms, women’s shelters and other private spaces will be integrated.

9. ERA would integrate prisons and require that women be assigned to military combat.

10. ERA would do away with separate women and men’s sports teams.

Laws that prohibit discrimination based on sex already exist in the 5th and 14th amendment as well as federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Under these protections, we continue to make progress when issues come to light.

The legal deadline to ratify the ERA was 37 years ago. Call your Senator and/or email them and let them know that Louisiana celebrates women, and not to ERAse the progress we have made. Urge them to VOTE NO on SCR2!

Click here! Find your Senator and urge them to VOTE NO on SCR2!

If We Only Had a Governor Committed to Oil and Gas

At least we have a President who’s committed to one of the greatest industries in the state of Louisiana. The following was announced today regarding President Trump visiting the Bayou State.  

According to Senator Bill Cassidy, President Trump will be touring the Sempra Energy’s Cameron LNG Export Facility on May 14, 2019.

“I thank President Trump for his commitment to unleashing American energy and supporting Louisiana energy workers,” said Cassidy. “Under Republicans’ watch, we’ve seen new investment in projects from the wellhead to the export facility—bringing billions to our state and creating good-paying jobs for Louisiana workers.”

Too bad we have a governor that has done everything he could to break the back of oil and gas in this state with his trial attorney cronies.

Read more: President Trump to visit natural gas facility in Cameron Parish next week

Congress Must Ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

Photo source: Frazier Institute

Thriving U.S. oil and natural gas production has helped contribute to our robust economy. Free trade in energy between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is a big reason why our energy production is so strong. Without the provisions of the USMCA, this trade could be jeopardized.

Delaying this agreement would be devastating to the progress our industry has made over the past decade. It’s vital that Congress act now to enact the USMCA.

Read more:  Pass the U.S.M.C.A.

More of “What Makes Cajun Country Great”

Photo source: The Advocate

Here in my hometown of New Iberia, a family business is brewing their own brand of whiskey:

NEW IBERIA — It’s true that 98% of all bourbon whiskey is brewed in Kentucky.

That fact hasn't stopped Stephen Mestayer and his sons, Philip and Jeep, from brewing their own bourbon whiskey on weekends from their regular jobs in a tiny warehouse off U.S. 90 in New Iberia.

Read more: New Iberia family behind Distillerie Acadian to unveil new bourbon whiskey this summer

​Tell HHS: Drop the Foreign Drug Pricing Proposal Now

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a dangerous new policy—known as International Pricing Index (IPI) Model—that would import alarming policies from foreign governments with socialized health care systems.

The proposal could block access to life-saving drugs for America’s seniors, inhibit the research and development necessary to discover new treatments, and threaten our nation’s free-market health care system — currently one of the best in the world.

Read more: Tell HHS: Drop the foreign drug pricing proposal now.

Chris Christie: Florida Republicans Must Stand Firm Against the Bernie Sanders Agenda

It is up to Republicans to support the president and shine a bright light on the Democrats’ repeated efforts to pull America toward socialism. It is up to Republican leaders -- senators, representatives, governors -- particularly in the battleground states -- to have President Trump’s back and frame the election on the terms he defined during his State of the Union address in February:

 “Here, in the United States, we are alarmed by new calls to adopt socialism in our country. America was founded on liberty and independence -- not government coercion, domination, and control. We are born free, and we will stay free. Tonight, we renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist country.”

Read more: Chris Christie: Florida Republicans must stand firm against the Bernie Sanders agenda

Kennedy and Landry Team Up to Elect Conservative Republicans

Photo source: The Advocate

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — U.S. Sen. John Kennedy is adding his prodigious fundraising talents to a political organization aimed at electing more conservative Republicans to the Louisiana Legislature, joining Attorney General Jeff Landry in the effort.

With both Kennedy and Landry in leadership roles, the Louisiana Committee for a Conservative Majority has unified the state’s top two GOP standard-bearers in its work to shift the Legislature rightward, particularly as term limits will keep many of the longer serving Republican moderates in the state Senate from running for re-election this fall.

Read more: Kennedy and Landry team up to elect conservative Republicans

BEAU BEAULLIEU ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

“We have all the ingredients to make Louisiana a great state.

Let’s make it happen.”

New Iberia- Local small business owner and community leader, Beau Beaullieu (Republican), has announced that he will become a candidate for the open seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives, District 48.

“Now is the time for effective solutions and conservative leadership in Baton Rouge. We have talked about ridding the state of good ole boy politicians for years, but have yet to set this state on the right path. Effective governance, that understands fiscal responsibility will dig us out. I’ve got my shovel and I’m ready to get to work,” Beaullieu said.

A life-long resident of Iberia Parish, Beau is a graduate of Catholic High School (New Iberia), LSU where he received a degree in Finance and UL Lafayette where he received a Master of Business Administration. Beau has made it his life’s work to build secure financial futures for thousands in south Louisiana and he’s ready to take that mindset to the state capitol.  He was the 2018 recipient of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce Civic Service Award, named Kiwanian of the Year in 2017 and one of Acadiana’s Top 20 under 40 in 2014.

Beaullieu stated, “My entire life, I’ve seen firsthand the spirit and work ethic of the people here in District 48. Through the years, they’ve inspired me with their resilience.  I’ve worked hand-in-hand with them to help make our home a better place to live, work and play. We have all the ingredients to make Louisiana a great state for our children and grandchildren to prosper. I’m up for the challenge to bring that vision and those values to Baton Rouge – let’s make it happen.”

If elected, Beau will focus on reducing the size of government, improving our business climate by slashing unnecessary regulations and red tape, reinvesting in education and workforce training, protecting innocent life at all stages, standing up for our constitutional rights and bring solutions to address our infrastructure needs.

Beau is married to Kaci Smith Beaullieu; together they have four children: Mary-Alizabeth, Emma, Beau and Thomas. The Beaullieu’s are parishioners at Sacred Heart of Jesus where Beau is a lector and has served on the Church Parish Council.

For years, Beau’s lifelong ambition has been to make Louisiana and Acadiana a place all of our children can be proud to call home.  As an effective leader in the community Beau is a Board Member for the Iberia Cultural Resources Association, former Board Member of the Acadiana Red Cross, Charter Member and former Chairman of the Iberia Parish Foundation, former Board Member of the Iberia Chamber of Commerce, member and Past President of the New Iberia Kiwanis Club, former Chairman of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Council and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 11793 among others.

House District 48 includes portions of Iberia, Lafayette and St. Martin Parishes. The seat is being vacated by Speaker Taylor Barras due to term limits. Election Day is Saturday, October 12, 2019.

CITIZENS FOR LOUISIANA JOB CREATORS: Senate Approves AG Landry's Healthcare Bill

Today, the Health & Welfare Senate Committee unanimously approved SB 173 - the Health Care Coverage for Louisiana Families Protection Act which provides protections for patients with pre-existing conditions should Obamacare be repealed. 

AG Landry has worked diligently with Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, Senate Health & Welfare Chairman Fred Mills, House Speaker Taylor Barras, and the entire committee to craft this legislation that addresses numerous concerns for health insurance recipients and those with pre-existing conditions. The win today is a huge step in the process for this important bill to become law.

Thanks to the Senate Health & Welfare Committee members Senators Regina Barrow, Gerald Boudreax, Norby Chabert, Dan Claitor, Yvonne Colomb Dorsey, Dale Erdey, Bob Hensgens, Jay Luneau, & Chairman Fred Mills for referring the bill out of committee!

And, THANK YOU AG Landry for standing up for everyone across Louisiana to ensure that health insurance coverage will not be in jeopardy for those with pre-existing conditions!

Oil and Gas is Still an Important Economy in Louisiana, No Matter What “Honor Code” Thinks

Photo source: Oil and Gas IQ

While “Honor Code” Edwards and his trial lawyer cronies are bent on crippling one of the greatest economies that this state has ever had, oil and gas still proves to be a bountiful source of revenue for Louisiana.

WASHINGTON — Louisiana will get nearly $95 million for coastal protection and restoration efforts in the latest round of payments from the federal government’s Gulf energy royalties.

State officials quickly hailed the announcement of the latest round of Gulf of Mexico Energy and Security Act funding as a win for the state’s conservation and hurricane protection efforts.

Read more: Louisiana gets nearly $95 million for coastal restoration from federal oil revenue-sharing pact

LAGOP: John Bel Edwards Has Failed Louisiana's Oil and Gas Industry

(Baton Rouge, LA) – Today, as we observe Oil & Gas Day in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards continues his assault on Louisiana’s lifeblood, the oil and gas industry, thereby jeopardizing the economic security of hundreds of thousands of workers and their families.

Since taking office Edwards has bombarded the oil and gas companies with lawsuits, regulations, and higher taxes, and the sad results clearly show in Louisiana’s diminished importance in the nation’s energy economy.
To illustrate the damage that John Bel Edwards has caused, read below:

• He has actively encouraged lawsuits against the oil and gas industry in parishes across the state, which is unsurprising since the trial lawyer lobby spent over $2.6 million electing him.
  

• The Wall Street Journal:“Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards was elected in 2015 with substantial support from trial lawyers, and he’s now repaying them in kind. The former minority leader of the state’s House of Representatives is effectively extorting oil and gas companies to backfill the budget while engineering what could be a handsome payday for his friends at a politically connected law firm.” (March 2018)
  

• His changes to Louisiana’s highly successful, eighty plus year old Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) have burdened energy companies by creating uncertainty in the cost of future investment in the state. ExxonMobil has taken the extraordinary step of publicly stating that they will no longer factor the program into their decision-making.
  

• ExxonMobil:“Due to the uncertainty, we will have to assume there is no ITEP incentive as we make cost projections on future investment opportunities in Louisiana.” (January 2019)
  

• In 2018 alone, Louisiana under John Bel Edwards lost 1,100 jobs in the sector that includes the oil and gas industry, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  

• Under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana has raised taxes and fees at a higher rate than any other state in the country, further weakening the business climate for the state’s oil and gas industry.
  

• Former Democratic Congressman Chris John:“It is the engine that drives our economy… A governor who would not recognize that, I think, is doing a disservice to Louisiana.” (July 2018)

With more than 260,000 employees across the state and an average annual wage of more than $96,500 (almost double the state’s average wage), and a contribution of more than $2 billion in annual state taxes, it is clear that the energy industry is critical to Louisiana’s employment, state budget and overall economic success.

“Our state deserves a governor who will work to build up our economy, not tear it down. Governor Edwards continues to show that he is willing to put Louisiana’s economic health and working families at risk to boost his trial lawyer backers,” commented LAGOP Chairman Executive Director Andrew Bautsch

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AG Landry Exposes Rep. Omar's Support of Terror

Photo source: LA Attorney General’s Office

Last week AG Jeff Landry did what Democratic party leaders are too scared to do when he issued a scathing review of Representative Illhan Omar's fundraising efforts for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). CAIR is a Muslim advocacy group with suspected ties to terror organizations. In his remarks, AG Landry took to task Rep. Omar's comments at a recent CAIR fundraiser in which she discredited the events of September 11th, 2001 in which almost 3,000 Americans were killed. 

"Rep. Omar, who has a penchant for disrespectful remarks, recently exercised her First Amendment rights by referring to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 as ‘some thing,'" Landry said. "However, what is more troubling than her anti-American comments is her support of the organization for which she was so honored to fundraise."

Thank you AG Landry, for speaking out against Rep. Omar and all of her anti-American rhetoric!

Read more about AG Landry's comments HERE!

LAGOP: JOHN BEL EDWARDS CHOOSES CAMPAIGN CASH OVER SENIOR CARE

(Dallas, TX) – After funneling over $40,000 into John Bel Edwards’ campaign pockets, Senior Care Center Management LCC has filed for bankruptcy protection in federal court. Senior Care Center Management operates senior care, assisted living and hospice facilities in Texas and Louisiana.
 
Many of their Louisiana facilities have been trusted to treat some of our most vulnerable populations and rely on Medicaid to reimburse their facilities and cover the cost of care. After expanding the Medicaid program in 2016, Governor Edwards is now trying to dedicate an additional $1 billion from our state budget to cover the growing cost of Medicaid here in Louisiana.
 
Unfortunately, while running up hundreds of millions of dollars in debt and refusing to PAY RENT at their facilities, the team at Senior Care Management was busy working with Governor Edwards’ campaign to funnel over $40,000 into their campaign account through eight of its corporate subsidiaries.
 
April 2015 – Spring Lake SCC LLC, Shreveport SCC LLC, Normandie SCC LLC, Ruston SCC LLC, Colonial SCC LLC, Bradford SCC LLC, Booker SCC LLC, and Bossier SCC LLC are all registered with the Texas Secretary of State.

These EIGHT entities all share:

• The same registered agent, Amarillo Corporate Services, LLC

• The same address, 600 N Pearl St, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX

• The same roster of officers, with Andrew Kerr, listed as President & CEO, John Heller as Vice President, and Alan Boerner, Alan Munday, and Scott Rickard as Directors. Kerr is also listed in a press release as Chief Financial Operator at the time.

November 2015 – Spring Lake SCC LLC, Shreveport SCC LLC, Normandie SCC LLC, Ruston SCC LLC, Colonial SCC LLC, Bradford SCC LLC, Booker SCC LLC, and Bossier SCC LLC all donate $2,500 contributions to Edwards’ campaign for governor. (See Below)
 
January 2016 – Edwards expands Medicaid in Louisiana.
 
March 2016 – Spring Lake SCC LLC, Shreveport SCC LLC, Normandie SCC LLC, Ruston SCC LLC, Colonial SCC LLC, Bradford SCC LLC, Booker SCC LLC, and Bossier SCC LLC all donate $2,500 each to Edwards’ re-election. (See Below)
 
November 2016 – Senior Care Center Management LLC donates $4,000 to Edwards’ re-election. (See Below)
  
These entities, all of whom have the same registered agent, officers, and location, have donated a total of $44,000 to Edwards.

LOGA Names Heavyweight Champions of the Oil And Gas Industry

BATON ROUGE, LA (April 23, 2019) — At the 2019 Louisiana Oil and Gas Association’s Annual Meeting, President Gifford Briggs, on behalf of the entire association, honored Sen. Norby Chabert, Speaker Taylor Barras, Rep. Neil Abramson, and Rep. Jim Morris as LOGA Heavyweight Champions for their support of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry.

“We are very proud to honor these legislators for their commitment to the industry and willingness to stand up to fight and protect it,” said Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. “Time and time again, these men have taken to the mic, passed legislation, and stood for common sense solutions on a multitude of issues. I am proud to have worked so closely with these legislators and proud of the work we have been able to accomplish for the companies, families, and communities that fuel our economy. ”

Remarks from Gifford Briggs at the awards ceremony:

Senator Norby Chabert

With a family history of public service, Sen. Chabert was elected to the Louisiana State Senate in 2009 to represent the constituents of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. Serving as the Chair- man of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Chabert consistently advocated for a ro- bust oil and gas industry in south Louisiana. Sen. Chabert has proven himself to be a fighter for the oil and gas industry, being the first on the senate floor to stand up against onerous taxes and regulations that would hurt the families who rely on oil and gas jobs and opportunities in his community.

Speaker Taylor Barras

In 2007, Rep. Taylor Barras was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in District 48, which is made up of portions of Iberia, Lafayette, and St. Martin parishes. In 2016, he was cho- sen by his colleagues as Speaker of the House. Representing the Acadiana area, Speaker Barras has fought for policies and legislation that would be conducive for a dominant oil and gas indus- try in Louisiana.

Rep. Neil Abramson

A college athlete, a fiscal conservative, and a New Orleans Democrat, Representative Neil Abramson was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2007 to serve the people of Orleans Parish. Serving as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, he has fought for sensible solutions to Louisiana’s fiscal problems. Rep. Abramson understands the val- ue of a working Louisiana, and especially a roaring oil and gas industry.

Rep. Jim Morris

Rep. Jim Morris was elected to serve the people of Bossier and Caddo parishes in 2007. Making his living as an oil and gas producer, Rep. Morris serves on the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee, and there he has shown unwavering support for small oil and gas pro- ducers in North Louisiana.

The LOGA Heavyweight Champion’s belt goes to individuals, groups, or companies who have significantly contributed to the betterment of Louisiana and the oil and gas industry. The cham- pion’s belt represents the fighting spirit of the hard working men and women of the industry.

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association was organized in 1992 to represent the Independent and service sectors of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana; this representation includes exploration, production and oilfield services. LOGA’s primary goal is to provide our industry with a working environment that will enhance the industry. LOGA services its membership by creating incen- tives for Louisiana’s oil & gas industry, warding off tax increases, changing existing burdensome regulations, and educating the public and government of the importance of the oil and gas indus- try in the state of Louisiana. Find out more information at: www.LOGA.la

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LAGOP: Edwards’ Administration Caught Manipulating Jobs Data to Avoid Federal Food Stamp Work Requirements

(Baton Rouge, LA) – Last week The Foundation for Government Accountability published a report titled “Waivers Gone Wild,” detailing the steps taken by Governor John Bel Edwards to sidestep work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, allowing them to still receive food stamp benefits.

Federal law generally requires able-bodied adults without dependents to work, train, or volunteer at least part-time to maintain food stamp eligibility. These rules apply to non-pregnant adults who are between the ages of 18 and 50, who are mentally and physically fit for employment, and who have no dependent children or incapacitated family members living at home.

However, in Louisiana, Governor Edwards has gone to great lengths to game the system. According to the report, Louisiana starts its waiver period in September, the last month of the federal fiscal year. This exploits a regulatory loophole that lets Governor Edwards use unemployment data back to December 2015. Further, Governor Edwards decided to put all 64 parishes together into one single group, allowing many parishes to qualify for waivers even if the local economy is thriving.

Today in Louisiana, 60,310 able-bodied adults without dependents are on food stamps and under the guidance of John Bel Edwards, 76% of those able-bodied adults are not working. That means there are 45,850 able-bodied adults without dependents that are cooperating with Governor Edwards to game the system and take advantage of taxpayers across the state.

“My colleagues and I want those who need help to get it; however, with that help should come opportunity - the opportunity to learn a new skill, improve their resume through community services, and find a job that will help them thrive instead of just survive. This report shows that that the Governor’s administration is leading our state further down a pathway of government dependence, while other states are choosing a path toward prosperity, ” said State Representative Rick Edmonds.

“We cannot ignore the facts on, or the implications of, this issue. Most of the nation is experiencing record job growth and economic success because they empower their people to become successful; however, our state allows able-bodied food stamp recipients with no dependents to bypass federal work requirements that could ultimately help them find a good job.”

The full report can be found at:
https://thefga.org/research/work-requirement-waivers-gone-wild/

This Ain’t the Party of FDR and JFK Anymore

Did you hear the latest from the communist, I mean “democratic socialist”, Bernie Sanders? This clown is actually arguing for the right to vote for any felon, regardless of the crime. He even went so far as to argue for the right to vote WHILE INCARCERATED.

Toto, I don’t think we’re not in Kansas anymore.

The party of FDR and JFK are long gone.

Sen. Bernie Sanders says the right to vote should be extended "even for terrible people" https://t.co/M3U37R21GK #SandersTownHall pic.twitter.com/5wmhSdvrRj

— CNN (@CNN) April 23, 2019

Taxing Citizens and Businesses and Suing Oil and Gas Isn’t the Best Idea After All

With election season in full swing and “Honor Code” looking for re-election to the Governor’s seat, you’ll be hearing all kind of spin about how his liberal policies have made Louisiana better. However, suing one of the largest industry in the state and massive taxation in Louisiana doesn’t nearly work out as well as it seems.

The drop caused Louisiana to end March with 1,981,100 jobs, according to preliminary numbers released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The numbers are not seasonally adjusted.

Construction fell by 6.3%, or 9,600, over the past 12 months to 143,400 jobs. Information was down by 2,200 jobs, or 9%, to 22,200. Mining and logging, which includes oil and gas jobs, fell by 1,100 jobs, or 3.1%, to end at 34,400. Professional and business services was down by 0.7%, or 1,500, to 211,300. Trade, transportation and utilities was down by 0.2%, or 800 jobs, to 378,700.

Senators Should Reject Sen. Rick Scott Legislation To Import Foreign Price Controls

Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla) has introduced legislation that would import foreign price controls into the U.S. ATR urges Senators not to cosponsor this legislation. 

The legislation, known as the Transparent Drug Pricing Act, would institute a price control on medicines so that the list price of a drug cannot exceed the lowest price of the drug in Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, or Germany.

Read more: Senators Should Reject Sen. Rick Scott Legislation To Import Foreign Price Controls

LAGOP: NO COLLUSION. NO OBSTRUCTION

Republican leaders react to Mueller Report.

(Baton Rouge, LA) – Earlier today Attorney General William Barr released the findings of the Mueller Report. The Mueller Report found no collusion and no obstruction.

"This is a complete and total vindication of President Trump. It is increasingly clear that the only scandal here is the Obama administration’s repeated failure to act against Russian cyber meddling. Instead, they prioritized spying on a political opponent – the Trump campaign – and used a phony DNC-funded dossier as justification.” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.

After 121 Interviews/Testimonies, 53 Document Requests, and 28 hearings, the Mueller investigation cost American taxpayers $35 million over the past two years.

“Liberal leaders across the country have spent the past two years tearing our nation apart with their collusion conspiracy theories; prioritizing political points over the people they are supposed to be serving. From Nancy Pelosi to Adam Schiff to Karen Carter Peterson, Democratic Party leaders must stop chasing their tail and start working with President Trump to keep America great,” said LAGOP Executive Director, Andrew Bautsch.

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