Jeff Landry Takes Part in Erath 4th of July Parade

Congressman Jeff Landry, candidate for Louisiana Attorney General in the fall elections in Louisiana, took part in an annual tradition in the town of Erath on Saturday by participating in the 4th of July Parade.

Jeff Landry on the SCOTUS Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage

Jeff Landry sent out the following in email this morning concerning last week's SCOTUS ruling regarding same-sex marriage and what would be his approach as Louisiana Attorney General:

  "Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court clearly violated the separation of powers in two major rulings. In a 6-3 vote, SCOTUS determined that the IRS can continue to offer Obamacare subsidies in all fifty states - contrary to Section 1401 of the (Un)Affordable Care Act. And in a 5-4 decision, the Justices ruled that same-sex “marriage” is a constitutional right - jeopardizing the religious freedom upon which our nation was built. As your next Attorney General - I will do all I can to give you freedom in your healthcare choices, protect the First Amendment rights of all, and defend the will of the people from judges who legislate from the bench rather than rule based on existing law."

Bobby Jindal's Twitter Response to the SCOTUS Decision on Same-Sex Marriage

In a rapid response to the SCOTUS decision this morning on the legalization of same sex-marriage, Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, presidential nominee for the Republican Party in the 2016 elections, tweeted out several statements.  It is apparent that Jindal is continuing his crusade for the nomination with his courtship of the religious right and using this issue to bolster his standings within that demographic.

Bobby Jindal 2016 Presidential Announcement

Bobby Jindal Had Made it Twitter Official

He's a candidate for the Republican nomination for President in 2016

Jake Delhomme On Induction Into Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame

BOUSTANY NEWS: Boustany Presents Fort Polk Progress with Community Excellence Award

For Immediate Release – June 24, 2015
Contact:  Jack Pandol – (202) 225-2031

Boustany Presents Fort Polk Progress with Community Excellence Award

 (Washington, DC) – Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD (R-South Louisiana), joined Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-Louisiana), Congressman John Fleming, MD (R-Minden), and Congressman Ralph Abraham, MD (R-Alto), to present Fort Polk Progress with the Community Excellence Award from the Association of Defense Communities this morning in Washington.

Boustany, Cassidy, Fleming, and Abraham presented representatives of Fort Polk Progress with the Community Excellence Award.

Boustany said: “The Fort Polk community is the most enthusiastic and engaged in the country, and others are taking notice. Today’s award recognizes the tireless advocacy of Fort Polk Progress educating Louisianans, Members of Congress, and the U.S. Army on the critical importance of this installation for our state. I’m proud to present Fort Polk Progress with this award and look forward to standing with this organization to fight to preserve Fort Polk into the next decades and beyond.”

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Vitter Sets Record Straight: Disney-ABC Do NOT Have Moratorium on Film and Television Projects in Louisiana

For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
June 23, 2015
504-779-3771

Vitter Sets Record Straight: Disney-ABC Do NOT Have Moratorium on Film and Television Projects in Louisiana
 

(Metairie, La.) – David Vitter spoke with a Vice President with Disney today who confirmed that the company has not imposed a moratorium on film and television projects in Louisiana, and they hope to produce more in the future. Vitter reached out to Disney-ABC in response to ambiguous reports alleging that the company was going to put projects on hold in Louisiana based on the state legislature’s bill to limit the film tax incentives program which Governor Bobby Jindal signed. Vitter responded to Disney with the following statement thanking them.
 

“Let me assure you that Louisiana will continue to have a significant film tax credit program and a welcoming environment. I plan on revisiting this issue as governor so that we have a sustainable (versus completely unlimited) program, but a very significant one that produces the maximum activity possible,” Vitter said.

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Jeff Landry Picks Up Another Major Endorsement Today

Photo source: WRNO

Jeff Landry, in his bid to unseat incumbent Buddy Caldwell for Louisiana Attorney General, has picked up the endorsement of the House Whip and Louisiana Representative in DC, Steve Scalise.  In his endorsement, Scalise had the following to say about Landry:

Jeff "is somebody who is not only a strong conservative but somebody who shares Louisiana values and the understanding of what's at stake."

"So many of the fights that we're are having, especially against the Obama administration, are in the courts and a lot of the standing that you have to fight these battles are at the state level," Scalise said.

Read more: Jeff Landry Wins Scalise's Nod In AG's Race

Scott Angelle Pushing Poll with Questionable Results

Pollster Verne Kennedy has completed a recent survey for Louisiana's Governor's race that he indicates has "a number of errors" and, in fact, does not indicate that Scott Angelle is polling at 18%, but rather at 10%.  It seems that Angelle's camp is using information that is overinflated or, rather, being deceptive.

Read more: Pollster disputes story on survey in Louisiana gubernatorial race

The Latest MarblePort / The Hayride, Scott McKay Statewide Election Survey

Photo source: Stateside Associates

Several interesting items come up in the latest survey done by MarblePort / The Hayride, Scott McKay.  The first being a head to head match-up for President in the State of Louisiana between Bobby Jindal and Hillary Clinton:

Clinton 44.5%
Jindal 42%
Undecided 13.5%

The second part of the survey was in regards to election for Governor with a hypothetical candidate, Russell Honore', in the race.

Governor’s Ballot Without Honore:

Vitter 34.1%
Edwards 28.8%
Angelle 11.1%
Dardenne 10.4%
Undecided 15.6%

Governors Ballot With Honore:

Vitter 32.7%
Edwards 26.5%
Angelle 10.1%
Dardenne 9.5%
Honore 7.9%
Undecided 13.3%

With Vitter as the front runner, head to head contests with each candidate.

Vitter (49.6) vs Edwards (37.5) Undecided (12.9)
Vitter (51.8) vs Dardenne (32.3) Undecided (15.9)
Vitter (49.2) vs Angelle (30.7) Undecided (20.1)
Vitter (54.3) vs Honore (28.5) Undecided (17.2)

The survey also shows what a liability that Jindal has on incumbents in the fall elections.

Only 42.2% said they will vote for a generic Republican candidate in their State legislative district this fall. 32.9% said they will support a generic Democrat.

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden remains in the lead in the race for Lt. Governor.

Holden 28.5%
Nungesser 19.3%
Young 17.9%
Guillory 5%
Undecided 29.3%

The race for Attorney General has incumbent Buddy Caldwell in the lead with the yet to announce candidate, Jacques Roy of Alexandria, polling in second.

Caldwell 26.7%
Roy 23.7%
Landry 20.8%
Undecided 28.8%

Vitter Releases Job Growth, Skills Training Plan

For Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Bolar
June 18, 2015
504-779-3771

Vitter Releases Job Growth, Skills Training Plan
New Chapter of Vitter’s plan entitled “Growing Great Jobs and the Skilled Workforce to Fill Them”

METAIRIE, LA. – David Vitter (R-LA) today released his chapter on job growth as part of his plan, “Together, Louisiana Strong: Our blueprint for building a brighter future.” Chapter 10 of the Vitter plan is entitled “Growing Great Jobs and the Skilled Workforce to Fill Them.”

You can read Vitter’s plan for job growth and skills training here.

“Louisiana has been experiencing real job growth in the industrial corridor. I’m determined to bring that growth to all parts of the state and to give Louisianians the skills they need to fully benefit from it,” Vitter said. “As governor, I’ll lead efforts to lure large projects here, reverse Louisiana’s anti-business litigation climate, and greatly expand skills training opportunities.”

In Chapter 10 of “Together, Louisiana Strong,” Vitter details how he will encourage partnerships with local authorities and private landowners to attract manufacturing projects in each region of the state. Vitter’s plan explains that he will develop a more collaborative approach to workforce training, including accelerating the JumpStart program and elevating the role of Louisiana’s technical and community colleges in higher education. He will also pursue significant litigation reform to end frivolous lawsuits that cost Louisianians jobs. Read all of Vitter’s proposals here.

As our U.S. Senator, David Vitter has always fought for the right policies that will grow good jobs in Louisiana. The new chapter shows the Vitter Record of job creation, including how he has partnered with local and state officials to lure key job-creating projects.

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

In addition to “Growing Great Jobs and the Skilled Workforce to Fill Them,” Vitter has already released the following nine 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
• Reforming Government, Rooting Out Corruption And Cronyism
• Improving our Public-Private Hospital Partnerships, Reforming Medicaid 
• Restoring our Coast, Protecting our People
• Supporting our Farmers and Fishermen
• Leading with Energy

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.

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Hercules Offshore is the Latest Victim of the Downturn in Oil and Gas

Photo source: Rigzon

With the continuing downward spiral in the price of oil, another service industry provider is in the process of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As noted, the 44% fall in oil prices have substantially impacted the company, which has led to a hit on both the service industry and drilling contractors.

Read more: Hercules Offshore in Deal with Debtors, to File Under Chapter 11

Ditch Assembles Team for Parish President Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 Contact: David Ditch
Wednesday June 17, 2015                                    Phone: (337) 364-6686 info@ditchforparishpresident.com

Ditch Assembles Team for Parish President Campaign

New Iberia – Since the announcement of his candidacy for Iberia Parish President late last year, David Ditch has worked tirelessly knocking on doors and forming his team of trusted friends and supporters to help bring his message to the people of Iberia Parish through his “Tour to Unite Iberia.” A significant part of Ditch’s campaign thus far has been to make Iberia Parish a place where future generations will be proud to call home.

In addition, Ditch has recently hired The Political Firm to handle his campaign. Owners Jason Hebert and Scott Hobbs have a strong history of electing area and state leaders like Congressman Charles Boustany, Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain and Secretary of State Tom Schedler, as well as, a host of parish presidents, sheriffs and state legislators.

For more information regarding the campaign or to sign up to volunteer, please visit www.ditchforparishpresident.com.

David Vitter Working to Put an End to Late Term Abortions

Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana is highlighting his pro-life credentials by recently co-sponsoring the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.

Vitter said the following in regards to the bill:

“Every step toward ending abortions once and for all is an important step in the right direction,” Vitter said. “We can make great strides toward protecting and dignifying innocent human life by putting an end to late-term abortions – when an unborn child can feel physical pain.”

Vitter is currently a candidate for Governor of Louisiana in the fall elections and has a 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee.

Read more: Senator Vitter Working To End Abortions After 20 Weeks

Joel Robideaux Defending Tax Raising Decisions in the Recent Session

Photo source: NOLA

For a man that is running as a conservative, low tax candidate in the upcoming election for Louisiana Parish President, Joel Robideaux is showing his true colors when it comes to that very issue. 

Robideaux has come out stating that legislators that supported raising taxes on the citizens of the State of Louisiana should be able to stand on the decisions made in the recent session.  This same candidate for Louisiana Parish President took the unprecedented move to increase taxes in the legislature without a 2/3 vote and by an interpretation by the Louisiana Attorney General back in 1993.

Lafayette Parish, be wary of the wolf in sheep's clothing when he comes in the fall looking for your vote.

Read more: Tax committee chairman: Lawmakers handled budget responsibly

Lafayette named top 'All-American' vacation destination by Travel Channel

Photo source: Travel Channel

A recent piece by Travel Channel identifies Lafayette, LA as one of the "All-American" vacation destinations in the United States, right up there with the likes of the Redwood Forests in California and St. Louis.

A mix of historical and cultural influences has created the unique Cajun/French Creole food, music and language found only in this small part of the country. Enjoy a delicious (and messy) crawfish boil, dance to zydeco music and take a thrilling airboat ride! Plus, in Lafayette, you'll get all the Mardi Gras celebration without the New Orleans tourism.

Read more: Travel's Best All-American Vacations 2015

Louisiana Gubernatorial Debate Set for Wednesday

Photo source: The Advocate

A recent piece by NOLA highlights a debate is being scheduled for Wednesday, 6/17/15, at the Alario Center in Jefferson Parish for the gubernatorial candidates in Louisiana's fall elections.  The proceeds from the event will benefit Café Hope, a culinary training program for at-risk youth.

More information can be obtained from Rep. Bryan Adams' office at 504.361.6013 or email adamsb@legis.la.

Read more: Louisiana gubernatorial debate set for Wednesday at Alario Center

Charles Boustany on PROTECTing Louisiana Seafood

Photo source: AMAC

Rep. Charles Boustany (LA-3) has recently came out in support of the PROTECT Act and the impact it would have on the seafood industry in the State of Louisiana.  The PROTECT Act, according to a recent email release by Boustany, would do the following:

• Create a dedicated unit within U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to prevent and investigate trade evasion.
• Create a CBP point of contact for private sector trade evasion allegations with the authority to direct evasion investigations and the duty to inform interested parties about the status of investigations.
• Require CBP and the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish procedures to ensure maximum cooperation and communication in order to quickly, efficiently, and accurately investigate allegations of trade evasion.
• Direct CBP to enter into agreements with foreign countries to enable proactive investigation overseas.
• Require CBP to annually report to Congress on all of the agency's activities to combat trade evasion.

The bill is now headed to a conference committee between the House and Senate.

Louisiana Continues to Lead During Downturn in the Oil / Gas Industry

Photo source: NOLA

Even though economic times are still not optimal in the oil and gas industry in the United States, Louisiana is still continuing to surge with recent sales of leases in the state. June saw a 2-year high in sales located in the northern section of Louisiana.  

Read more:  Louisiana oil, gas lease sales hit 2-year high in June