New Poll Reveals Vitter with 10 Point Lead in Louisiana Governor's Race

The latest MarblePort Polling done in regards to the Louisiana Governor's race shows Vitter widening his lead over his nearest competitor, John Bel Edwards, by 10%.  Vitter has shown consistent support amongst Republicans in the race and leads overall by 37.6% to Bel Edwards' 27.1%.  The other two Republican candidates, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and Public Service Commissioner, Scott Angelle, both polling at 14.9% and 5.8% respectively.  The undecided vote is at 14.6%.

The report also references the "Honore' Factor", meaning a potential entrance of retired General Russel Honore'.  With Honore' factored into the polling data, Vitter still maintains a substantial lead, with Honore' polling at 7.4%.

The report was done in conjunction with Scott McKay of The Hayride and his piece on the poll can be seen here.

Bobby Jindal Utilizing the Same Tactics He Once Criticized Obama For Utilizing

Photo source: Slate

Yesterday, Gov. Bobby Jindal issued an executive order in regards to religious freedom just shortly after a bill by Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Bossier City) was shot down in the legislature that was written for just that reason. 

The religious freedom bill that was shot down in committee would have prohibited the state from taking punitive action against a business owner or citizen in regards to their religious beliefs.

As admiral as the bill's intention and the issuance of the executive order is in regards to the protection of religious liberties, one would have to wonder if this smells of politics and Jindal's aspirations of a Presidential campaign.  Last year, Jindal issued a press release from his office chastising Barack Obama for his use of executive order regarding illegal immigration.

Jindal is obviously using his office as a platform to further his political career and using the citizens of Louisiana as a pawn in his ambitions.  As a Republican and a staunch conservative citizen of the State of Louisiana, I feel we deserve better in a Governor.

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Steve Scalise Endorses Vitter for Governor

The following email press release was issued by Senator David Vitter's office today regarding an endorsement from one of the members of the Louisiana delegation in Washington DC. Congressman Steve Scalise is the Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives and a member of Congress from the New Orleans area.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Luke Bolar

May 18, 2015

504-779-3771

Steve Scalise Endorses Vitter for Governor

Former Rep. Bob Livingston also endorsing Vitter

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) – David Vitter (R- La.) today announced key endorsements from Louisiana’s  First Congressional District. U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and former U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston are both endorsing Vitter for Governor. 

“Having served with David Vitter in the Louisiana legislature and in Congress, I’ve witnessed firsthand his commitment to the state of Louisiana and his ability to solve critical problems,” said Scalise. “Our state currently faces many important challenges. That's why I am excited to endorse David and see that he is the first candidate for governor to release a bold plan to solve many of the critical problems facing our state.”

“I've known David since he ran for my seat in Congress, and one thing is clear - he will not be outworked," former Rep. Bob Livingston said. "David Vitter stands up for what he believes and fights to get results. I haven't seen anything as substantive and forward thinking as the plan he's been rolling out to take on the challenges at the state level. David is a no nonsense kind of guy and we need his leadership as our next Governor.”

Vitter has also been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany, John Fleming, and Ralph Abraham and Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy.

###

GIL: Louisiana Republicans Need a Real Republican for AG

Photo source: Facebook

Republican Friends,

As a member of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee I was disappointed to receive an email from Marty Maley asking for Republican support for the office of Attorney General.  

Marty Maley has spent most of his life supporting Democrats.  Until recently he was a registered Democrat.

That is just like our current AG, Buddy Caldwell, who has done the same thing.  Both registered as Republicans just to try and win or keep this office.

Just look at Marty Maley's personal donations to Democrats and they are not even all in Louisiana:

-        DEMOCRATIC STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF LA

06/25/2007 300.00 07/23/2007 1000.00 02/11/2008 1000.00 03/08/2010 1000.000 6/16/2011 900.00

(That's close to $4000 Maley gave to the Louisiana Democratic Party alone.)

-        DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ARKANSAS

-        10/26/2006 500.00

-        CHARLIE MELANCON CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

11/26/2004 2000.00 03/31/2005 500.00 07/18/2005 250.00 08/18/2005 500.00 04/12/2006 500.00 06/30/2006 350.00 06/30/2006 650.00 11/30/2006 500.00 02/26/2007 1000.00 03/30/2009 1000.00 04/14/2010 200.00 06/02/2010 500.00

-        DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

06/20/2006 200.00  02/12/2008 200.00

-        CAZAYOUX FOR CONGRESS

04/18/2008 250.00 10/20/2008 250.00

-        KAREN CARTER FOR CONGRESS

10/30/2006 250.00

-        CARMOUCHE FOR CONGRESS INC

06/30/2008 1000.00 10/20/2008 250.00 11/21/2008 1000.00

-        RICHMOND FOR CONGRESS

02/25/2011 250.00 10/27/2014 500.00

Voter registration records indicate Martin "Marty" Maley only switched from being a Democrat on May 23, 2013.  Let me tell you – that was not the day he turned 18... or even 30 years old.  Marty only became a Republican just before he started running for Attorney General.

We do not need another Democrat in sheep's clothing in a statewide office.

We are already trying to fix one problem in replacing Buddy Caldwell. 

Lifelong Democrat Buddy Caldwell only switched Republican to save his public, taxpayer-funded, job.

Remember this is the same Buddy Caldwell who twice announced how great Mary Landrieu was in offering his support.  First pretending he was Elvis (http://thehayride.com/2014/11/its-about-time-for-the-buddy-caldwell-elvis-video-with-mary-landrieu-no/) and then AGAIN in the runoff.  

That's right, Caldwell supported Landrieu AGAIN in the runoff speaking before the Legislative Black Caucus at their fundraising event:  https://youtu.be/-kpNMN7JlC8 – watch the video starting at about 9 minutes to see Caldwell praising Landrieu for having done a good job.  He also praises Democrat Cedric Richmond.  He adds that he got in a little heat for singing his love to Mary Landrieu but said he didn't care.  Caldwell also endorsed Landrieu in 2008.

Buddy Caldwell apparently was also in Denver, Colorado celebrating Barack Obama's nomination for President at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, even putting a Louisiana spin on an event held at a Louisiana themed cafe.  (see paragraph 2 http://mdpconvention.blogspot.com/2008/08/it-was-super-tuesday.html as he glad-handed fellow Democrats)  

None of this should be surprising as the Louisiana Democrat Party's spokesman said this of Buddy Caldwell:  "In his heart, Buddy Caldwell is a Democrat," said Kevin Franck, "and whichever way the political winds blow he'll always be a Democrat."  (Lafayette Independent newspaper, Feb. 2011).

Just like Marty Maley, Buddy Caldwell is not a true Republican.

That is why so many of us are supporting lifelong Republican Jeff Landry for Attorney General.  

He is a proven conservative who has consistently been pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-freedom and a fiscal conservative.  Jeff not only served Louisiana in Congress (having been rated the 4th most conservative in the whole country), he also served as a Sheriff's Deputy, as a police officer, and decorated veteran.  

Jeff also has been a volunteer for his own local Republican Parish Executive Committee, served on the Louisiana Republican platform committee many years ago, and last year he served the LA GOP as our statewide voter integrity leader.

If someone is going to say they are a Republican – let's make sure they really are a Republican.  Let's ensure the public knows.

I have endorsed Jeff.  I encourage you to endorse Jeff too.  You can do it online here:  http://www.landryforlouisiana.com/endorse  or you can fax him a written endorsement here:  337-313-4537.

Let's get behind Jeff.  Please join in endorsing him today.

Christian Gil
Member, Republican State Central Committee

David Ditch Lunch at Gonsoulin Farms in New Iberia

On Friday, May 15th, David Ditch held a lunch time gathering for all supporters of his campaign for Iberia Parish President.  The lunch was held at Gonsoulin Farms in Iberia Parish and was another stop on his "Tour to Unite Iberia".  The event was sponsored by Sweet Southern Lady Cakes LLC, Danny Hebert, Gonsoulin Farms, and Iberia Aggregates.  Ditch stressed the importance of unity in the Parish and moving the Parish forward for the sake of the children of Iberia Parish.  A video of his speech is below, as well as photos of the gathering.

Gonsoulin introduced Ditch as a friend and leader and stressed his support for his candidacy.  The video of his speech is here.

John Kennedy: Time to Stop Out of State Consultant Fees

Photo source: Louisiana Dept. of Treasury

In a recent piece written by Treasury Sec. John Kennedy, Louisiana can quit whining about the financial state of affairs by cutting back on out of state consultant fees.  In what is just a few instances of these fees, Kennedy provides the following:

• Contract #734975: "Monitoring the Louisiana Black Bear Population: Continued Health Of The Population, Monitoring Adult Female Survival & Continue Hair-Snare Work In The Texas & Upper Atchafalaya Population;" University of Tennessee; $189,750.
• Contract #716789: "Effects Of Predation On White-Tailed Deer Recruitment On The Tensas National Wildlife Refuge In North-Eastern LA;" University of Georgia; $315,010.
• Contract #718119: "Describe The Reproductive Biology Feeding Ecology Of Yellowfin Tuna In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico And Assess Genetic Stock Structure Of Yellowfin Tuna And Connectivity Between The Gulf And Other Regional Stocks In The Atlantic Basin;" The University of Southern Mississippi; $546,845.
• Contract #717427: "Research On The Effects Of The Macondo Oil Spill On Coastal Ecosystems;" University of Tennessee; $551,797.
• Contract #734837: "To Complete Planning, Webinars, And Face To Face Training To Improve Supported Employment Services Provided To VR Consumers With The Most Significant Disabilities;" University of Arkansas, $42,500.
• Contract #728593: "Complete Broad Survey To Document Current Distribution Of The Big Brown Bats;" Texas Tech University, $74,129.
• Contract #714507: "Research On The Effects Of The Macondo Oil Spill;" Rutgers University, $413,357.
• Contract #730926: "Provide Assistance In Developing And Executing A Strategic Marketing And Communication Program For Louisiana Department of Economic Development;" $3.4 million.

The rest of the piece can be read here.

Source: Our universities are paying the price for our extravagance

Bill Banning Gender Based Abortions Pass Louisiana House

Photo source: Louisiana House

An abortion banning bill introduced in the regular session by Lenar Whitney (R-Houma) has passed the full House.  The bill, known as the Prenatal Non-discrimination Act, would ban abortions based on gender in the State of Louisiana.  Only two members of the House, both Democrats, voted against legislation that would ban the selective abortion procedure that has been done in overseas countries to females in the womb.  For a party that trumps "women's rights", both of these members should be ashamed for not supporting this legislation.  They are Helena Moreno of New Orleans and Marcus Hunter of Monroe.  Their House web pages are here and here. 

The full vote roll call can be found here.

Time for Iberia Parish Citizens to Voice Their Opinions

It's good to see that we have council members here in Iberia Parish such as Ricky Gonsoulin working to give the people of the Parish a voice in their own government. 

Louisiana Republican Delegation Support H.R.36 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Photo source: Wall Street Journal

In what amounted to a party vote, H.R.36 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act was approved by the House of Representatives today and was supported by all of the Louisiana Republican delegation.  A roll call of the vote can be found here.

Acadiana Patriots Monthly Meeting Tonight at 6 PM

Photo source: Acadiana Patriots

The monthly meeting of the Acadiana Patriots will be held this evening at 6 PM at the Robichaux Recreation Center across the street from the Cox building.

More information on this meeting can be found at this website.

Paycheck Protection Act Has Been Shelved For Now in Louisiana Legislature

Photo source: LABI

Rep. Stuart Bishop (R-Lafayette) has shelved the Paycheck Protection Act for the time being in the Louisiana Legislature.  This will allow the bill to be brought back at a later point in time.  Supporters of the bill continue to grow, with Sen. David Vitter, Louisiana gubernatorial candidate, tweeting out his full support.

The purpose of the bill is to prevent the state government from automatically withholding union dues from the paychecks of government employees. We still have a long way to go before this bill becomes law, but this was an important step as liberal union leaders killed similar legislation in this committee twice before.

There is still time to urge your elected representatives in the Louisiana legislature to support this bill and stop the state from acting in the capacity of a union bill collector.

Paycheck Protection Act To Be Voted on Today in LA House

Today, the Louisiana House of Representatives will vote on HB 418 otherwise known as Paycheck Protection. This bill would put an end the State acting as a bill collector on behalf of the unions. Liberals have stated that this bill serve no purpose, as it cost no money for Louisiana to perform this service. However, they fail to realize that the time and effort it takes to perform these tasks are being funded by taxpayer money. 

Please call or email your State Representative and urge them to vote FOR Paycheck Protection.

Click here to find your legislator

Click here to email your legislator

RELEASE: New Vitter Plan Chapter Released on Fighting Political Corruption

The following email press release was issued today from Senator David Vitter's office.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Luke Bolar

May 12, 2015

504-779-3771

 New Vitter Plan Chapter Released on Fighting Political Corruption

New Chapter of Vitter’s plan is called “Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism”

METAIRIE, LA. – David Vitter (R-LA) today released his proposals to root out government corruption and cronyism as part of his plan, “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.” Chapter 5 of the Vitter plan is called “Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism.”

 You can read Vitter’s plan to fight political corruption here.

“Criminal investigations, sweetheart deals, ethics violations…reading the newspaper some days, you'd think Huey Long was alive and well,” Vitter said. “I’ve always gone against the good ole boy system in Louisiana and I’ll have a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and cronyism.  Because if we don't fight, our children won't enjoy the kind of job opportunities and efficient government they deserve.”

In Chapter 5 of “Together, Louisiana Strong,” Vitter details how he will work to root out the good ole boy system of doing business. He’ll work to abolish or reform the LSU version of Tulane legislative scholarships which are lucrative scholarships given out by public higher education board members, often to the politically connected. He’ll also work to increase ethics auditing and enforcement and end abuses like double-dipping. 

Vitter also highlighted the “Vitter Record,” like how he authored and passed term limits for the Louisiana Legislature and authored the leading bill to place term limits on Congress. One of Vitter’s hallmark efforts is his fight to end the Washington Exemption from Obamacare so that all Members of Congress, congressional staff, the President, Vice-President, and all political appointees purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange with no special taxpayer-funded subsidies.

Vitter’s plan is focused on facing Louisiana’s enormous challenges head on—with strong leadership and real solutions— and taking advantage of historic opportunities and make great gains.

See the first four chapters of Together, Louisiana Strong here.

In addition to “Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism,” Vitter has already released the following four chapters of the plan. 

• Keeping in Touch
• Stabilizing The Budget Through Spending & Tax Reform
• Dramatically Improving Education for All Our Children
• Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs

Vitter has compiled his plan by meeting with Louisianians of all walks of life and by listening to their ideas for building a brighter future. Vitter has held 382 Town Hall Meetings and 205 Telephone Town Halls. As a candidate for Governor, Vitter has held 12 Leadership Forums on the key challenges we face as a state specifically to develop this blueprint, with dozens of informal meetings and conference calls in addition.

Vitter will be releasing additional chapters as they’re added in the next several weeks. 

LANDRY SPEECH AT FREEDOM SUMMIT IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Congressman Jeff Landry, candidate for Lousiana Attornty General, spoke at the South Carolina Freedom Summit yesterday regarding ck derivative values. The gathering brought in top Republican snakes such as Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Scott Walker and several other presidential candidates and conservative leaders. The text of his speech is below and the video of the speech can be viewed here. 

Congressman Duncan thinks I have an accent and I just can’t understand why. But if you have trouble understanding me, I’ll make the text of my speech available at jefflandry.com.

I am so happy to be here. I am happy to be with fellow conservatives who believe in constitutional liberty. I am happy to be with those individuals who – like me – believe this nation and our principles are worth fighting for!

So please give yourselves a round of applause. You are the leaders who will ensure that conservativism wins in 2016.

You have taken your time and treasure to attend this weekend. And what a great group of speakers we have.

Our slate includes men and women from across the country with diverse backgrounds, experience, and solutions to the problems facing our country. It is this diversity that makes conservatism so strong.

And it’s not just these speakers but our entire membership who represent all that is great with America.

We are a people who believe in an all-almighty God, that it is He who has laid his hand on this Country. And His law – Natural Law – is not subject to amendment, modification, or revision by man.

We believe that all life is sacred and that we all have the right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We believe in the individual not big government. We want people to have the freedom to create and achieve.

We believe small business owners and hard work grow our economy not government bureaucrats and crony capitalism. We built this Country!

We believe that all people should have equal opportunity but that equal opportunity doesn’t guarantee equal results. And that is OK because we know that people create prosperity and wealth, not the government.

We believe that compassion is measured not by how many people are on government assistance but how many no longer need government support.

We believe that a person should be measured by the content of their character not by the color of their skin.

We are thankful for the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, and their families.

We believe in the strength that comes from the family unit – that parents not politicians know best.

We believe education starts in the home and is fostered in our local communities. Our students should be empowered, our teachers protected from big government, and our parents given educational choices.

We believe in checks and balances – that the Founding Fathers, weary of federal overreach, correctly designed our government to keep sacred the rights of individuals.

We believe our duly elected representatives should determine rules and laws not appointed bureaucrats working for the executive branch. And, we certainly do not believe we are a free people when our government is being run with a phone and a pen!

We believe in the rule of law and nobody – including our elected officials, IRS directors, and Secretaries of State – is above the law.

We believe that patients and doctors should make medical decisions not government appointed panels.

Finally, we believe that the Constitution should be preserved, protected and defended. And when conservatives win, that’s what we expect!

Conservatism is strong because of you. As someone who has served – I know that we are all in this together.

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And so – together, let us restore our republic.

As they say in Louisiana, laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll!

VITTER RELEASES NEW PLAN CHAPTER ON RELIEVING TRAFFIC, IMPROVING ROADS AND BRIDGES

The following press release was issued by email today from the Vitter campaign concerning transportation issues in Louisiana

For Immediate Release                                                                
Contact: Luke Bolar   504-779-3771
May 7, 2015                                                                                              

Vitter Releases New Plan Chapter on Relieving Traffic, Improving Roads and Bridges
New Chapter of Vitter's plan is called “Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic

Congestion and Grow Jobs”
 

METAIRIE, LA. – David Vitter (R-LA) today released his proposals to relieve traffic congestion and build a better infrastructure as part of his plan, “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.” Chapter 4 is called “Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs.”

You can read Vitter’s infrastructure plan here.
 

“Louisianians are sick and tired of Louisiana highways with obvious bottlenecks being completely ignored by the state,” Vitter said. “The state spends more on transportation bureaucrats than on concrete and asphalt. That results in sitting in traffic instead of working productively or spending time with family. Well I’m sick and tired of it too – and I’m going to do something about it.”

In Chapter 4 of “Together, Louisiana Strong,” Vitter details how to strengthen the Transportation Trust Fund and provide much more protection for infrastructure spending. In Vitter’s plan, he talks about how to prioritize trust fund dollars for new highway construction and repair and how to ensure that trust fund revenue sources like the vehicle sales tax actually go into the trust fund rather than for unrelated programs.

Vitter’s plan also includes how he will develop a user-friendly DOTD app to allow motorists to highlight logjams and needed repairs they observe, and improve the existing app to give them better real-time traffic and routing advice.

Vitter’s plan is focused on facing Louisiana’s enormous challenges head on—with strong leadership and real solutions— and taking advantage of historic opportunities and make great gains.

See the first four chapters of Together, Louisiana Strong here.
 

In addition to “Building World Class Infrastructure to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Grow Jobs” Vitter has already released the first three chapters of the plan.

• Keeping in Touch
• Stabilizing The Budget Through Spending & Tax Reform
• Dramatically Improving Education for All Our Children.

Vitter has compiled his plan by meeting with Louisianians of all walks of life and by listening to their ideas for building a brighter future. Vitter has held 381 Town Hall Meetings and 204 Telephone Town Halls. As a candidate for Governor, Vitter has held 12 Leadership Forums on the key challenges Louisiana faces specifically to develop this blueprint, with dozens of informal meetings and conference calls in addition.

Vitter will be releasing additional chapters as they’re added in the next several weeks.

SEX SELECTION ABORTION BAN TO BE HEARD TODAY IN HOUSE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE

Per a 60-Second Brigade Alert sent out by the Louisiana Family Forum, this bill will be heard today in Baton Rouge. 

On Wednesday, May 6, the House Health and Welfare Committee will hear HB 701 by Rep. Lenar Whitney, R-Houma. HB 701 prohibits sex selection abortions.

HB 701 prohibits intentionally performing or attempting to perform an abortion with knowledge that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion because of the gender of the unborn child.

U.S. Census data and national vital statistics show that indeed, sex-selection is a growing problem in America. Americans are employing gender-selection techniques in their reproductive decisions. One study which reviewed census and birth records of the United States showed that Americans have gender-selected thousands of baby girls. Abortions based on the sex of the baby are legal in our state. HB 701 would stop this.

LOUISIANA'S NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER EVENT

Louisiana's National Day of Prayer Gathering this year will be at the La. State Capitol Senate Chambers - 12:00 - 1:00 PM

The event will take place tomorrow, May 7th.

For more information, Louisiana's National Day of Prayer Facebook page is here.

MIKE JOHNSON EXPLAINS HB 707 IN THIS VIDEO

PAYCHECK PROTECTION ACT NOW MOVES TO FULL HOUSE

As earlier reported, Rep. Stuart Bishop (R-Lafayette) has worked to advance his Paycheck Protection Act, HB 418, in the Louisiana House of Representatives.  The purpose of the Paycheck Protection Act is to "end the practice of taxpayer sponsored payroll deductions to support government union political machines." This bill will force unions to use their own resources and staff to collect dues from public employees and not depend upon taxpayer resources.

Naturally, this is being met with quite a bit of opposition from the unions in this state that depend upon the government for doing their own dirty work.  Therefore, it is imperative that legislators be contacted to support this bill and vote YES for HB 418 when it comes on the House floor.

Americans for Prosperity has made it easy to contact your state legislator on this issue.  The webpage Support Taxpayer Protection in Louisiana can be used.

JOEL ROBIDEAUX TRYING TO RAISE REVENUE WITHOUT 2/3 MAJORITY VOTE

Photo source: NOLA.com

In a recent move within the Louisiana House Ways and Means Committee, Chairman Joel Robideaux (R-Lafayette) used an opinion issued by AG Richard Ieyoub back in 1993 to advance a tax bill by a simple majority rather than a 2/3 vote.  The opinion in question pertains to bills that would temporarily end a tax break or erase part of a tax break.  However, several of the bills that are being heard pertain to raising of cigarette and gas taxes.

Citizens of Lafayette Parish, of where he is running for Parish President, should be concerned about someone touting themselves as a fiscal conservative who is pushing through billions in tax increases.  Additionally, this same man is circumventing the Constitution of the State of Louisiana.

Read more: House panel volleys refundable tax bill; eventually clears committee on second try after behind-the-scenes politicking