Lafayette Parish Democratic Party

Lafayette Democrats Oppose Jindal Voucher Plan Lafayette Democratic Executive Committee2/16/2012
The Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee approved and authorized the release of the following statement at their February 15, 2012 meeting.

The Lafayette Democratic Party believes government should not tax citizens to pay private schools. But that is exactly what Governor Jindal proposes with his private school voucher program, and we believe it is important that people understand what this governor wants to do. In the name of promoting public education, Governor Jindal wants Louisiana taxpayers to pay for private school tuition. As Democrats we believe if public schools are failing we must fix them, not dismantle them. And we need to stop laying all the blame on the teachers, and call for a comprehensive program that includes parents’ participation in their children’s education.

The Lafayette Democratic Party opposes forcing Louisiana taxpayers to pay private schools to teach our children. Article VII, Section 13 of the Louisiana Constitution requires that the government spend certain dedicated taxpayer money only on public education through what is known as the Minimum Foundation Formula. Governor Jindal has proposed to raid even that fund to give the money to private schools in New Orleans. The Lafayette Democratic Party believes government must honor its constitutional commitment to public education and not tax citizens to pay private schools. But if the private schools want public money then let us at least demand that they accept everyone, disabled and disadvantaged, just as the public schools must do. And let us hold them accountable, with standardized testing and oversight, just as the public schools must be. And let them be audited, just as the public schools must be.

America has always valued the importance of universal, public education to help instill citizenship and American values. Governor Jindal now wants to dismantle and privatize that system. But public schools have served this country well for over a hundred years, so if Bobby Jindal wants the taxpayers to pay for his experiment, he better be sure it’s going to work, because if it doesn’t we will all pay a permanent price for his failure. And he might not be around in four years to see the harm he has done. That’s what we as Democrats believe.

Daily Advertiser Editorializes on ASO Politicizing of July 4th Concert Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee6/18/2011
The Daily Advertiser editorialized in the Saturday, June 18, 2011, edition about the controversy that the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has created for itself through the politicizing of its July 4th free public concert.

The editorial gets much of this issue correct, but misses the significant fact that having LCG elected officials on stage this year would politicize the event more overtly than did Joey Durel's endorsement of David Vitter last year.

How can that be? Because, by ASO's own admission, they could not offer this event as a free event without LCG's support, either financially or in-kind. By offering their stage to LCG officials it takes on a quid pro quo arrangement, whereby the officials are rewarded for their commitment of taxpayer dollars to the support of this event by giving them a few minutes in front of the large crowd that traditionally gathers for the event.

Lester Gauthier made clear in his letter that the best solution is for the ASO to forego the injection of politics into its concert. The ASO seems unwilling or unable to do so.

Durel Contempt of Court Hearing Delayed Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee6/18/2011
The Advocate reports that a contempt of court hearing for City-Parish President Joey Durel that had been scheduled to take place next week has been pushed back while he asks the state Supreme Court to halt the case.

Fifteenth Judicial District Judge Ed Rubin had set the hearing at the request of three former Lafayette Housing Authority board members, who argue Durel improperly removed them from the board a second time after Rubin had reinstated them.

City-parish attorneys have been fighting to keep the contempt hearing from happening.

ASO/Vitter/Durel/Lafayette DPEC story goes national Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee6/16/2011
The Rachel Maddow Show picked up on the simmering and now year-long controversy involving the expenditure of Lafayette taxpayer dollars to allow Joey Durel to endorse then-Senate candidate for re-election David Vitter from the stage of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's Fourth of July concert in 2010. The staff of the Maddow Show apparently stumbled across the headline in Thursday's edition of The Daily Advertiser and used it to demonstrate the double standard in national politics when it comes to the behavior of elected officials and their ability to stay in office. Vitter was caught in a prostitution scandal and not only stayed in office, but no national Republican ever called for him to resign. Anthony Weiner resigned from Congress on Wednesday for activity that was not illegal, but because the scandal had become "a distraction."

Acadiana Symphony reserves right to inject politics into publicly funded event Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee6/16/2011
The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra has insisted that it has the right to inject electioneering into its annual Fourth of July Concert which is held at Parc Internationale with sponsorship provided by Lafayette taxpayers through Lafayette Consolidated Government. The ASO renewed the controversy on Wednesday with a press release in which they claimed to have received what their executive director called "harrassing" letters from the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee. They also completely mischaracterize events surrounding 2010's concert where Senate candidate David Vitter invited himself to speak and was endorsed from the concert stage by Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel in apparent violation of the state Constitution and the state Election Code.

HB-531 is dead! Mike Stagg6/13/2011
The Independent Weekly reports that Rep. Joel Robideaux (No-Party, Lafayette) has withdrawn his controversial bill (HB 531) which would have created the Lafayette Redevelopment Authority. The bill was the Durel administration's second attempt to get the authority created. The defeat of the legislation can be attributed to a coalition of Democrats and Tea Party members who opposed the bill as an egregious power grab by the administration and its developer allies.

Development plan gives government too much power Lafayette Democratic Executive Committee6/9/2011
The Daily Advertiser editorial on the proposed Lafayette Redevelopment Authority hits a number of nails on the head about this misguided legislation (HB 531).

Democrats, Tea Party force deferral of HB 531 Lafayette Democratic Executive Committee5/27/2011
The Daily Advertiser provides reporting on the unusual coalition of Democratic elected officials, the parish Democratic Executive Committee and the Lafayette Tea Party which convinced the Senate Local & Governmental Affairs Committee to defer action on a bill that would have created the Lafayette Redevelopment Authority.

Groups Oppose Agency Plan Lafayette Democratic Executive Committee5/27/2011
The Advocate's Acadiana Bureau provides coverage on the coalition that emerged to at least delay legislative action on HB-531, the bill that would create the Lafayette Redevelopment Authority.

Lafayette Democrats Call for Defeat of HB-531 Lafayette Democratic Executive Committee5/25/2011
The Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee has called on the Senate Local and Municipal Affairs Committee to reject HB-531, which was authored by Rep. Joel Robideaux at the request of the Durel administration, to create the Lafayette Redevelopment Authority.

“This badly flawed bill would create an unelected entity and make it the expropriator of choice in Lafayette Parish,” the committee said. “In addition, the bill would create yet another taxing authority with the apparently unchecked power to create Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts. These districts would target City of Lafayette residents and those living in unincorporated areas because the proposed law gives small municipalities in the parish the ability to opt out of participation in the scheme.”

“HB 531 represents the second attempt in two years by the Durel administration to solve a genuine problem — the proliferation of blighted and adjudicated properties. As was the case last year, this proposal would produce a powerful bureaucracy with the ability to seize and transfer property to new owners of its choosing. This organization would operate beyond the supervision of elected government and beyond the reach of citizen control. It is a proposal rich with opportunities for abuse.”

“We urge the Senators to reject this bill. We also recommend that the Durel administration engage a broader community dialog on this issue of concern to all residents and property owners.”

Former Lafayette CIO Still Not Charged Mike Stagg5/20/2011
This story is still unfolding. The trip wire for the coverage was Lafayette CAO Dee Stanley's testimony in the federal corruption trial in New Orleans. In a Times-Picayune story today (Friday) a defense witness said a move to no-bid contracts on technology projects in New Orleans under the Nagin administration was "a license to steal."

Durel, LCG Council face contempt hearing Mike Stagg5/19/2011
A court date has been set for a hearing to determine if City Parish President Joey Durel and the LCG Council acted in contempt of a court order when they dismissed three members of the Lafayette Housing Authority Board of Directors a second time.

More Details Emerge on LCG Tech Scam Mike Stagg5/19/2011
The Daily Advertiser reports on court documents related to the New Orleans technology corruption scandal that reaches into Lafayette Consolidated Government. A no-bid contract is a key part of the Lafayette connection to NetMethods.

LCG Officials Mum on Scam Mike Stagg5/18/2011
The Daily Advertiser reports that LCG CAO Dee Stanley would not talk to them about the New Orleans technology scandal that reached into Lafayette and prompted the Durel administration to fire CIO Keith Thibodeaux. According to the article, Thibodeaux reported directly to Stanley.

Stanley testifies in NOLA corruption trial Mike Stagg5/17/2011
The Independent Weekly reported today that LCG CAO and Durel campaign operative Dee Stanley was called to testify in a federal corruption trial involving a company whose corruption efforts ensnared chief technology officers in three cities, including Lafayette.

Stanley's Focus In Question Mike Stagg5/11/2011
The Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee has called on LCG Chief Administrative Officer Dee Stanley to cease any and all campaign activity on behalf of Joey Durel's re-election, or take an unpaid leave of absence until after the election. In the April 9, 2011, edition of The Advertiser, Stanley told a reporter that Durel's re-election is his primary focus in coming months.

Lafayette Democrats point out that Stanley is paid by Lafayette taxpayers and his priority should be providing services to all citizens and that his political commitment to Durel runs counter to his obligations as a public servant.

How Gachassin Games the System Mike Stagg4/21/2011
The Independent Weekly looks into the issue of how public funds linked to low-interest housing developments are being used to enrich at least one developer. It's an issue that the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee pointed out in letters sent to the U.S. Attorney and the FBI back in February.

Scenes from Lifetime Achievements Banquet Mike Stagg10/24/2010
Scenes from yet another successful Lifetime Achievements Banquet! Thanks to everyone who attended to honor these Democratic Heros!

Lafayette Democrats honor lifetime achievements Lafayette Democrats10/22/2010
The Lafayette Daily Advertiser covered the Third Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards Banquet which was hosted by the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee on Thursday, October 21.

It was a great turnout and a great event!

Lafayette Democrats to Honor Comeaux, Pierre, Baudoin and Blanco for Lifetime Achievements Lafayette Democratic Executive Committee10/12/2010
The Lafayette Parish Democrats will honor these great Democrats for their work advancing the interests of the community and our party.

Individual tickets are $35. Tables are $280.

You can purchase tickets and tables below.

Lapeyrolerie named to top state party post Associated Press7/12/2010
Congratulations to Renee Lapeyrolerie on her selection as Executive Director for the Louisiana Democratic Party! The announcement was made by the party today in Baton Rouge.

Vitter drops in on Concert The Daily Advertiser Staff7/5/2010
The Daily Advertiser ran this report on Senator David Vitter's speech at the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's "Red, White and Boom" concert on the Fourth of July. The Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee objected to the ASO providing Vitter a venue for a campaign appearance.

Concert sets off political fireworks Bruce Brown, The Daily Advertiser7/3/2010
The Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee objected to the announcement that Senator David Vitter, who is involved in a campaign for re-election, will be speaking at the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's "Red, White, and Boom" concert on the Fourth of July in Parc International. The story focuses on the letter the committee delivered to the ASO expression its objection and the organization's response.

LUS raise up for discussion Richard Burgess12/1/2009
The Advocate's Acadiana Bureau reports on the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee's opposition to the proposed LUS rate hike. The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce endorsed the proposed 15 percent increase.

LUS raise up for discussion Richard Burgess12/1/2009
The Advocate's Acadiana Bureau reports on the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee's opposition to the proposed LUS rate hike and the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce's support for the 15 percent increase.

Groups split on LUS rates Jeff Moore12/1/2009
The Daily Advertiser reports on the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee's opposition to the proposed LUS rate hike in this story which also covers the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce's endorsement of the proposal.

Democrats oppose proposed permanent 15% LUS Rate Hike Mike Stagg11/30/2009
After studying the issue, attending hearings and reaching out to friends and colleagues with extensive knowledge of LUS and the issue, we announce today our opposition to this rate increase. Follow the link for the full release

Democrats Get Their Own Healthcare Forum Mike Stagg10/19/2009
The Independent Weekly had a story in their TheIND blog today about how our committee won an hour of free airtime from KLFY and KTBS in Shreveport to carry a healthcare reform forum from the Democratic perspective. We won the time after objecting to the one-side nature of a Republican-only forum that originated in Shreveport on September 2 and which KLFY carried the following day.

In certified letters to KFLY management and news department, our committee demanded that the station not air the biased forum, or grant proponents of healthcare reform an hour of free airtime to make our case.

After viewers complained to KLFY about the bias of the GOP forum, the station offered our committee free airtime to present the other side. We recruited Senator Mary Landrieu to participate and also recruited two knowledgeable healthcare professionals who support reform to take part in the panel — Dr. Mike Robichaux of Raceland and Dr. Nellie August-Prudhomme, a nurse who is on the faculty of LSU-Eunice.

The program will follow the same format as the original forum.

KLFY will record the forum on Saturday and broadcast it on Monday afternoon. KTBS in Shreveport will carry the forum in prime time on one of its sister stations.

Get Well, Representative Badon! Mike Stagg10/12/2009
The Daily Advertiser reported on Saturday that state Representative Bobby Badon of Carencro was in a Lafayette hospital recovering from heart by-pass surgery that he underwent on Tuesday.

The Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee wishes Representative Bobby Badon a speedy recovery. We will keep the representative and his family in our prayers.

Democrats honored at event Amanda McElfresh10/24/2008
Four state and local leaders were honored for their service Thursday night with the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee's first Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The Tipping Point Jeremy Alford10/15/2008
State Sen. Don Cravins is seeking to do the impossible - overtake an incumbent member of Congress, Lafayette's own Dr. Charles Boustany. If you believe the polls, he has a fighting chance.

U.S. Senate candidates debate Iraq, health care WILL SENTELL, Advocate Capitol News Bureau 10/13/2008
In another dispute, Landrieu tried to rebuff Kennedy’s charges that her support of Democrat presidential nominee Barack Obama over Republican nominee John McCain would play a role in who wins the Senate race.

“I know you are trying very hard,” Landrieu told Kennedy.

“But Sen. McCain’s coattails are not long enough for you,” she said, triggering cheers from some in the audience.

John Kennedy, Mary Landrieu spar in 2nd U.S. Senate debate Bill Barrow, The Times-Picayune 10/13/2008
"John, I know you are trying hard," she told Kennedy. "But Sen. McCain's coattails are not long enough for you. . . . This race is between the two of us."

The two-term senator's rebuke of the third-term state treasurer drew the only audience applause of the night from the 200 college students gathered in a Louisiana State University auditorium.

Cravins ad highlights conservative credentials The Independent9/9/2008
Titled "our dad", the ad features Cravins' two children, Dominique and Don Cravins III, introducing their father, who describes himself as "pro life, pro gun and against higher taxes."

Life of a Delegate: DAY TWO Stephen Handwerk8/27/2008
The one thing I forgot to mention from Monday night was that Jimmy Carter’s mini Documentary with regards to Hurricane Recovery in New Orleans was quite moving. John Hadley, chairman from the St. Landry Parish Democratic Executive Committee looked over at me and said – “Stephen – we should stand for this” to which I quickly agreed and looked back at Deborah Langhoff – the Vice Chairman from Orleans Parish – and said – “hey, we are going to stand for this!” And we all jumped up and waved our flags slowly… While the mini documentary was playing I started getting text messages from friends in other delegations and they were saying how moving this was.

Life of a Delegate: DAY ONE Stephen Handwerk8/26/2008
So right now it is about 1:30 am local time here in Denver. Many of us got back shortly before 10pm tonight local time. The transportation is actually quite good, so long as you are going to the main locations – DNC Hotels, The Convention Center or the Pepsi Center.

Filtering Down Jeremy Alford8/13/2008
In attacking Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu on energy issues, Treasurer John Kennedy has picked up on a national GOP strategy that works better in Minnesota than it does in Louisiana.

Dems’ Craving for Upset of Boustany Prompts New Rating in Louisiana House Race Congressional Quarterly Politics8/1/2008
"Cravins, running in a district with a strong overall conservative lean, also will emphasize some of his more conservative positions, including his support for gun owners’ rights. Before Boustany won the 2004 race for the seat Democratic Rep. Chris John left open to pursue a Senate campaign that failed, southwestern Louisiana had a longstanding, unbroken tradition of voting conservative Democrats into the House."

Democrats tout Cravins Jeremy Alford7/30/2008
More positive Press coming in from all over - in this News report Jeremy Alford reports on the growing support State Senator Don Cravins is receiving in his bid to unseat Republican incumbant Charles Boustany.

LPDEC Announces Endorsements of Senator Landrieu and State Senator Don Cravins for Congress Stephen Handwerk7/29/2008
The Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee at it's meeting last week voted to endorse Senator Mary Landrieu in her bid for re-election as well as State Senator Don Cravins, Jr. in his bid to unseat Republican incumbent congressman Dr. Charles Boustany.

Congressman Boustany distorts his record to his constituents...again State Senator Don Cravins, Jr.7/26/2008
Congressman Charles Boustany sent out at Tax Payer Expense, a letter this week to his constituents that clearly distorts his voting record about the Doctors position on LACHIP...

Senator Landrieu Fighting and Winning for Louisiana US Senator Mary Landrieu7/25/2008
Senator Landrieu releases SECOND ad of this election cycle:

DCCC Announces Don Cravins Added to Emerging Races List DCCC7/24/2008
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced today that Don Cravins Jr. (LA-07) has been added to Emerging Races because he is running a strong campaign that is generating excitement in his district.

Veteran criticizes John Kennedy David Brignac7/16/2008
David brings to light many of the problems Kneely has in this race - not the least of which is his new support for "crazy on a stick."

Reader thanks Cravins for insurance bill The Advertiser7/16/2008
Senator Cravins gets a "THANK YOU" from constituents.

Senator Landrieu Fighting and Winning for Louisiana US Senator Mary Landrieu7/16/2008
Senator Landrieu launches FIRST TV Ad

Boustany Votes Against Middle Class Americans! TheMiddleClass.org7/4/2008
Millionaire Charles Boustany left the values of the people that voted for him behind whenever he went to Washington! Shame on you Boustany!

Cravins goes on offense in race The Advocate7/2/2008
...Chides Boustany over pay raises ... At a time where Boustany has worked hard to prevent any raise in the minimum wage he has accepted several raises to his congressional salary.

Pork Plate Nathan Stubbs7/2/2008
A great article exposing how Boustany is turning his back on the 7th Congressional District to curry favor with his far right Republican masters. This article also exposes John Kneely Kennedy's flip flopping and double talk on earmarks.

The Rising Son Jeremy Alford 6/11/2008
A great article on Senator Don Cravins (Junior)

Blue Monday News and Commentary Blue Monday News4/14/2008
It's and all new Episode this week of Blue Mondays! This week we get updates on Mary Landrieu and we also find out that David Vitter is a REALLY bad driver along with all his other problems - and why are the veterans so upset with McCain - AND Senator Vitter... ALl this and more - Click PLAY!

LEFTBLOG: Democrats turn out for Cazayou, and more on Vitter Stephen Handwerk4/8/2008
Cazayou goes on to take out WOODY JENKINS, Gilda Reed moves forward to fight against arch conservative Scalise and MUCH MORE...

LEFTBLOG: Political mix-up, LeftBlog style Stephen Handwerk4/1/2008
Jindal breaks campaign promises, Lafayette Republicans FINALLY election their leadership, Senator Landrieu in Lafayette and MUCH MORE....

The LeftBlog Stephen Handwerk3/25/2008

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Blue Mondays Stephen Handwerk3/24/2008

LeftBlog: ONWARD! Democrats pick up New Generation of Leadership Stephen Handwerk3/19/2008
Greetings everyone – and what a week this was. On Saturday the Louisiana Democratic Central Committee held our first meeting and recognized all of the new members that were elected from across the state. I was very proud to be there and be sworn in.

While there were some dust ups, as normally happen with the Democratic Party, the mood was upbeat and there was change in the air.

Onward! Democrats pick a new generation of leadership! Stephen Handwerk3/18/2008
I am sure some will disagree with this but our new Executive Committee is made up with a great set of NEW and younger individuals who I am confident will move the party forward, and a few “seasoned” faces that I feel very happy to be greeting again.

THE FRESHMAN LAWMAKERS: Risks pay for Montoucet Claire Taylor3/18/2008
Representative from Scott touts biofuels as way to help farmers

It is time for Vitter to go Chris Whittington3/17/2008
Baton Rouge: In light of the resignation of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, Chris Whittington, Chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party called for the immediate resignation of Louisiana Senator David Vitter.

La. Democratic chairman elected to full term Ed Anderson3/16/2008
Baton Rouge lawyer Chris Whittington, who has served as chairman of the state Democratic Party for more than two years, was elected to a full four-year term Saturday, defeating a major rival who had the backing of some of the party's biggest names.

LeftBlog: Vitter redux and FISA – Big Brother is HERE! Stephen Handwerk3/11/2008
With Governor Eliot Spitzer in a deep mess - All the news reports are back to reporting on David Vitter and his Follies - Also this week - FISA is being revisited after the House and Senate pass two separate Bills. Bush claims he will VETO if Immunity isn't included for the TelCo's - So much for this bill being vital to protect the American People.

Blue Mondays for 3/11/2008 Stephen Handwerk3/11/2008

The Freshman Lawmakers: Badon keeps it positive Claire Taylor3/11/2008
Carencro representative brings business savvy to state Capitol

Senator Landrieu's Campaign Diary Senator Mary Landrieu3/10/2008

LEFTBLOG: Saturday's results... Jindal's Ethics Stephen Handwerk2/12/2008
The Results. No real surprises on the Democratic Side. Even with the visit from President Clinton to the state on Friday, that was not enough to compete with the momentum the Obama team had put together. As I drove around on Saturday checking the different precincts I was very happy to see all the folks out on the corners with Obama signs. I didn’t see any for Clinton. I can tell you that I was very excited to see all the high school and college kids. Definitely shows some change a coming.

Obama was definitely helped by the 10 full days of Media buys that they made throughout the state. You could hardly watch TV without catching his commercial. This definitely helped him a great deal. To my knowledge Clinton didn’t make any media buys, that obviously hurt her.

Blue Mondays for 2/11/2008 Stephen Handwerk2/11/2008
Super Duper Tuesday Results and how they effect us!

LeftBlog: Goodbye to John Edwards, Super Tuesday and Treasurer Kennedy follies Stephen Handwerk2/6/2008
John and Elizabeth Edwards are an amazing couple and I wish things could have been different for this race, but History is being made and people are moving on and many of us are forced to choice another candidate. This is a very hard process for me. I picked John because he most closely resembled the values and goals that I feel are most important for this country. The two candidates on the Democratic side that are left both have good points, and they both have some drawbacks....

LEFTBLOG: It's time to get rid of REDFLEX Stephen Hanwerk1/29/2008
...

We now know why – when the doors close you hear an ex-parte conversation between the “adjudicator” and Tony Tramel – Director of Traffic and Transportation and RedFlex employees. The Adjudicator joins in the laughter and mocking of the brothers and even advises RedFlex on how to prevent “citations” from being thrown out. This is a blatant disregard of our rights. Simply by making this a CIVIL violation we have, through no action of our own, given up our constitutional rights as the burden of proof is so much lower.

...

Blue Mondays for 1/28/2008 Stephen Handwerk1/28/2008
This week we sit down with the Democrat fighting for the Working Men and Women of Louisiana's 1st congressional district - Gilda Reed.

LeftBlog: Random thoughts on this Martin Luther King Day Stephen Handwerk1/22/2008
...

One article I found especially interesting was that by Marsha Sills entitled “Struggle marches on.” Interesting quotes by Ms. Je’nelle Chargois and Dr. Rick Swanson, they share a thesis I have long held and that is that basically Racism is alive and well, it just has a different name. The war on the Poor.

While John Edwards is not doing as well as I would have hoped nationally, he has spent the last few years calling attention to the “two Americas” – the one for the super wealthy and the other one that the rest of us call home. We are seeing this all over the country – the rich can do almost whatever they want – they can kill their spouse (allegedly) like OJ Simpson. They can rob from thousands of their employees like the folks at WorldCom and ENRON.

...

RedFlex holds first hearing in Controvertial program in Lafayette Stephen Handwerk1/20/2008

Blue Mondays for 1/14/2008 Stephen Handwerk1/14/2008

LeftBlog: LCRM is latest iteration of a destructive strain in Louisiana politics Stephen Handwerk9/25/2007
Mike Stagg fills in this week on THE LEFT BLOG where he discusses Louisiana Committee for a Republican Majority

Cortez The Killer: Vitter Scandal Chokes LCRM Cash Flow; Smear Campaign Strategy Affirmed Mike Stagg9/21/2007
Mike Stagg takes a DEEPER look into LCRM and their tactics and where all their money comes from.

LEFTBLOG: Labor Day, Qualifying and Boustany not ready for Prime Time Stephen Handwerk9/4/2007
Appearing with Wolf Blitzer in “The Situation Room” Boustany goes to tell us how GREAT things are going in IRAQ. OH boy, Again I really thought that he would step up but he tries to tow the line for the Bush Administration and he gets called out on it.

Transcript available at the link above and here is the video:

Jindal avoids debates; does he fear questions? Doug Robinson8/17/2007
Is this the same Bobby Jindal who, during his first term in the House of Representatives, voted yes on a bill to weaken that body's ethics rules?

Maybe that's why he doesn't want to debate - because he'll have to answer questions like this and others.

Jindal MIA for Debates - What's he Affraid of? Julie Vezinot-LADEMO.org8/15/2007
"Bobby" Jindal keeps missing debates - it seems that political situation is just beneath him. We think he should be held accountable. Here is more on this subject.

Coronation Stephen Handwerk8/15/2007
New Ad by the LA Democratic Party. NOT SO FAST BOBBY, You haven't been Coronated!

LeftBlog: National Scene Stephen Handwerk8/14/2007
Red States and "Purple states" are growing concerned about who will lead the Democratic Ticket next year. Their fear - LOW TURNOUT.

LeftBlog: Joey Durel and Lafayette complacency Mike Stagg8/7/2007
Stephen Handwerk is traveling to DC this week, so Mike Stagg fills in. Mike previews what another 4 years of a DUREL administration would look like - that is if the past 3 years are any indicator.

LeftBlog: Sicko Stephen Handwerk7/31/2007
Just went and saw Michael Moore's new film "Sicko" this week. You still there? Good - check it out...

LeftBlog: Another big week in Louisiana Stephen Handwerk7/24/2007
First off, we had the JINDAL announcement tour that was preempted by the Vitter “I haven’t said anything, and I am done talking about it” press conference. This set off a flurry of attacks against Vitter from Republicans, including The College Republicans who were very upset about Vitter’s timing with relation to “Bobby” Jindal’s announcement tour. (OK, so who really didn’t know he was running?)

Jindal Ducks the Question... again Stephen Handwerk7/17/2007
Jindal Continues to duck the question about Vitter.

LeftBlog: Ethics, poverty and prostitutes … all in a week in Louisiana. Stephen Handwerk7/17/2007
In perhaps the most historic ETHICS vote, Congressman Jindal voted AGAINST high ethical standards. One may question if this was in order to protect Tom Delay who has donated a great deal of money to Jindal’s previous campaigns – frankly this is a huge ethical issue, and illustrates when Jindal is given the opportunity to chose between his party and high ethical standards – he chose his party and cronyism.

Handwerk Appears on Good Morning America Stephen Handwerk7/16/2007
Stephen Handwerk appears on Good Morning America's Town Hall Meeting with Senator John Edwards.

More on Edwards can be found here.

LeftBlog: The TALKING JinDOLL and Walter Boasso Stephen Handwerk7/10/2007
Alright, so the Governor’s race is now heating up and we have several folks running – and really the only contenders who are really still “IN” this race are – Foster Campbell who has a huge GRASS ROOTS following and has been in Lafayette a Great Deal. Congressman Bobby Jindal who’s support seems to be dropping DAILY. And then you have State Senator Walter Boasso who is running some great TV commercials to introduce him throughout the state.

The TALKING JinDOLL Stephen Handwerk7/10/2007

It's the TALKING JinDOLL - You won't want to miss this! Click the above link to hear ALL ABOUT IT!

LeftBlog: LA House District 44 – meet the candidates Stephen Handwerk7/3/2007
Blogging LIVE from the CCGG candidate forum for District 44. District 44 is a really interesting district with a great deal of diversity. Currently the seat is being held by Wilfred Pierre who has held the seat for 3 terms, thus he is term limited from running for a fourth. This district is predominately the north eastern corner of the parish.

Blue Mondays 7/2/2007 Stephen Handwerk7/2/2007

LeftBlog: You get what you vote for… viva LA revolution? Stephen Handwerk6/26/2007
This week we take a further look into who is supporting Bobby Jindal - with friends like his... Who needs enemies! AND I look into the Lafayette Parish School Board's decision to "BUY OUT" Easton's Contract.

Kershaw Resident of TN, NOT Louisiana Stephen Handwerk6/19/2007
In February of this year Sammy Kershaw filed for Bankruptcy Protection and he clearly states on these FEDERAL FORMS that his residence is in Tennessee. So surely HE can't run if John Breaux can't. Right?

LeftBlog: Oh, Bobby and Joey's new ATM Stephen Handwerk6/19/2007
This week I take a look at the ongoing "Bobby" Jindal problems, the RED LIGHT camera mess we find ourselves in here in Lafayette - AND Sammy Kershaw is OUT as fast as he was IN?

Boustany at it again... Stephen Handwerk6/12/2007
Boustany introduces "HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS BILL" as if it were such a WONDERFUL THING - Wonderful for WHOM?

This is like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound. HSA's are only good for RICH people who can afford to invest and shuttle money into different accounts to reap the benefits - how about the tens of thousands of working poor in this congressional district that are without healthcare insurance adequate to take care of a real emergency or provide for meaningful preventative treatments and exams? When is the good Doctor going to address this issue?

If we had an extra $200 a month to sock into a "RAINY DAY SICK FUND" we likely would... however this plan will only help those fortunate enough to have the money to invest in themselves it will do nothing for the seniors who are still being forced to decide between food in their refrigerators or medicine to keep them healthy and alive. When will THEY be given the respect THEY deserve by legislation supported by this congressman?

Blue Mondays 6/11/2007 Stephen Handwerk6/11/2007

Conservative Cajun Gives PROPS to Lafayette Democrats! Nick Bouterie6/6/2007
Nick Bouterie, author of the Conservative Cajun Blog gives PROPS to Lafayette Democrats for keeping their folks updated. Though we find it very funny that he keeps bringing up this Article penned by Jindal where he participates in an Exorcism - when Jindal's people just want that to go away. Funny how they think TRUTH telling is MUDSLINGING...

Blue Monday News Stephen Handwerk6/4/2007
SICKO hits theatres soon, get an advance look here, More of the same in Iraq reports Laura Logan from CBS News and Fox News Chimes in with Willam "The Bloody" Kristol, and a preview of SICKO the new film by Michael Moore who even REPUBLICANS are loving - is this a sign of the end?

Blue Monday News Stephen Handwerk5/28/2007
John Edwards and Danny Glover in New Orleans, Governor Bill Richardson releases NEW TV ads, Mother's Day Call to action and Impeach Alberto Gonzales - PART ONE - all this and more in THIS WEEK's BLUE MONDAYS!

Blue Monday News Stephen Handwerk5/22/2007
All New Blue Monday News segment - we take on the republicans head first this week - The issue - The Republican Debates! Take a look:

LeftBlog: What the Great Communicator didn't tell us Ruth Yeager5/22/2007
Ruth Yeager Pen's this week's LEFT BLOG - The Reagan myth is the centerpiece of today’s Republican party. It involves a great rewriting of history and redefining our national values, leaving out a lot of nasty actions and consequences that enriched and empowered the few at the expense of the American people. The failures of the Bush presidency are not because Bush turned away from conservatism, but rather because he embraced Reagan’s agenda to an extreme. Yes, the problem is with conservatism itself.

Bobby Jindal MIA - Again The Times Picayune5/17/2007
It is being reported by The Times Picayune that "Bobby" Jindal missed a very important meeting where FEMA Officials were testifying on their readiness for the upcoming Hurricane Season - Jindal is the ONLY Louisiana Member on this committee - and he missed this meeting. What was he doing during this time? Campaigning?

Mother's Day for Peace Robert Greenwald5/13/2007

Mary and the Media Jeremy Alford5/9/2007
Senator Landrieu: As she readies for a tough re-election campaign, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu is pushing two press-friendly bills through Congress.

Blue Monday News Stephen Handwerk5/7/2007

This week in the NEWS - Bush Vetos the Troops, Edwards hits the airwaves - not for him - but for our Troops, Bobby Jindal gets SPANKED on the floor of the house by Chairman Barney Frank - and then by Governor Blanco and we have the video! - and our CLIP OF THE WEEK has Bill Maher diagnoses Bush.

Part Two

Interview with Grace Bauer of FFLIC.org

LeftBlog: Supporting our Troops & Hate Crimes Stephen Handwerk5/7/2007
So I recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk with some of our brave soldiers that have just returned from over seas; two from Iraq and one from Afghanistan. These guys are just amazing and I was happy to get to speak with them.

These conversations all took place individually, but I really feel that these guys were able to be completely honest. I promised them that I was not going to reveal their names as they are all still in the service.

All three of these guys were happy to serve wherever and whenever they were called by the President. They all began with a clear focus on protecting America for the reasons that we can all agree make this country so great. However, they feel betrayed.

LeftBlog: It's we the people, not the corporations Stephen Handwerk4/3/2007
60 Minutes took a look inside how this bill was passed in the wee hours of the morning after leaving the vote open for a previously unheard of 3-plus hours. You see, votes are set at only 15 minutes, but not this one.

This bill was lead by former congressman from Louisiana, Billy Tauzin. The initial intension of this bill was good: to add a prescription drug care program to Medicare so that our seniors could stop choosing between life saving medication and putting food on the table. Yet what we got was nothing short of a boondoggle for the pharmaceutical industry.

LeftBlog: The state of health care Stephen Handwerk3/27/2007
Now many of you will start yelling SOCIALISM, COMMUNISM and all that crap, but that is really hogwash. America has BY FAR the most expensive healthcare system in the WORLD… and yet we do not live longer, in fact by my last check we have a lower life expectancy than 14 other countries (all of those have a single payer type system) and we keep falling. Something is completely wrong here and must be dealt with swiftly. So I ask you, what should we do?

LeftBlog: Who will be our next governor? Stephen Handwerk3/20/2007
One not to be counted out – Foster Campbell. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is touring the state both Yesterday and today announcing his candidacy for Governor. And he has some very attractive ideas to show the citizens of this state. Campbell has wide appeal north of Alexandria and has quite a base in Lake Charles as well. With $1 Million in the bank and plenty of time, he is definitely one we should keep our eyes on to see what happens in the coming months. One thing for sure is, Campbell thinks “out of the box” and we definitely need someone at the helm that is going to tackle the problems we are facing and hit them head on.

Campbell announces for governor The Times Picayune3/19/2007
True to the populist mantle he has wielded as a state senator and Public Service Commissioner, Campbell's campaign anchor is a proposal to impose new oil and gas processing taxes in Louisiana and eliminate the state's personal and corporate income taxes.

Campbell said the changes would strengthen the economy by boosting residents' buying power, while also helping businesses and creating a net gain for state coffers. He said it also would force an industry he describes as coddled to pay its fair share.

LeftBlog: A clear, discernable pattern, Part 2 Stephen Handwerk3/13/2007
Case in Point – U.S. Attorney David Iglesias was fired from his job as the top federal prosecutor in New Mexico after rebuffing Republican pressure to speed his investigation of Democratic officials in the state. Now we learn in reports that came out over the weekend that none other than Karl Rove was acting as a “conduit” for these complaints and that he met with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales about them.

LeftBlog: A clear, discernable pattern Stephen Handwerk3/6/2007
You may remember last year when a series of cuts were being made to programs and funding for services and we pointed out that only a small “incremental raise” was given to the VA system. We covered this on our show “BLUE MONDAYS” (On AOC Channel 15 every Monday night at 9pm) and I also made mention of it here in “The Left Blog” that we were very concerned as we had already had reports coming in from members of our own 256th who were reporting returning home with injuries received while in Iraq and that they were being stonewalled at getting the services they needed to make them whole again. We feared that this was the proverbial “tip of the iceburg”, now it appears that our suspicions were correct.

Landrieu on Bush Visit: "We Need Real Action" Sen. Mary Landrieu3/1/2007
President Bush visits the Gulf Coast Region on the 18-Month Katrina anniversary and Senator Landrieu calls for immediate steps to advance hurricane recovery.

Al Gore Wins Oscar Stephen Handwerk2/27/2007
SWLA Democrats congrats Al Gore for winning an Oscar for his documentary an “Inconvenient Truth.” To find our how you can take action visit www.climatecrisis.net. You can watch the video of Al Gore at the Oscars by clicking on Read More.

Boustany makes Floor Speach - "America, Sweet America..." Morons.org2/15/2007
Charles Boustany (R-LA7) - "What would happen if we had a failed policy in Iraq?" Well Charles, I expect we'd see something like an uncontrollable insurgency, an ineffective central government, and an intractable civil war between the multiple sectarian groups present in Iraq. Oh.... wait....

Click the link above to read more of the recaps

Senator Kennedy Stands up for Workers Stephen Handwerk2/2/2007
Senator Kennedy stands with the working Families of Louisiana & blasts the GOP for its attack on working people!

Bush meeting was indication of Landrieu’s moderate, bridge-building approach The Advertiser1/10/2007
Furthering the conversation on the important Role that Senator Landrieu now plays in the Senate - The Advertiser comes out with a favorable Op-Ed on the Senior Senator.

Blue Monday News Stephen Handwerk1/9/2007
This week we have a great interview with Susan Hamilton of the Lafayette Parish Library Board of Controls where she discusses with Ruth Yeager the plans for the coming years – two new locations and one major renovation. You will definitely want to “check this out.” But first, as always – Progressive News and Commentary by Stephen Handwerk

Here is Part ONE - Click the Link Above for PART TWO.

LeftBlog: A new year, some light at the end of the tunnel? Stephen Handwerk1/9/2007
I can’t tell you the amount of pride and optimism I have for our country with breaking down yet another barrier for Women, as I saw Speaker of the House; Nancy Pelosi sworn in and take the gavel for the first time. I was basically raised by a single mother in a time where it was extremely difficult for women who have been divorced. Times have definitely changed for the better and I think that the breaking of this glass (actually Speaker Pelosi calls it Marble) ceiling MUST be seen as a good thing no matter what your political views of Representative Pelosi.

John Edwards Announces he is Running For President John Edwards12/27/2006
John Edwards announces in New Orleans that he is running for President and officially kicking off his campaign TODAY. You can help. Watch the video and then click the above link and join his campaign.

Domenici-Landrieu Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act is LAW! Sen. Mary Landrieu12/22/2006
“Today is truly historic for the state of Louisiana,” said U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La. “Since I came to the Senate, I have been working to secure a dedicated revenue stream to rebuild Louisiana’s eroding coastline. Last year’s hurricanes rocked our state and made it more evident than ever that protecting coastal wetlands is a vital part of our national energy security. Today we took a big step forward to restoring our wetlands and protecting our many coastal communities.

Mission is to promote Democratic Party Frank Flynn12/21/2006
The mission of the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee is to promote the Democratic Party, its principles and its candidates. The role of each party executive committee and its members - Democratic or Republican - is naturally partisan. more...

Melancon moving on up Gerard Shields - The Advocate11/17/2006
Here is a GREAT article looking at Charlie Melancon and the Blue Dog Democrats.

Congressman should serve people, not party Layne St. Julien11/15/2006
Boustany voted with the Republican leadership 96 percent of the time. In 2006, he's voted with President Bush 94 percent of the time, but in his district, 54 percent of voters are Democrats and only 23 percent are Republicans. Who has he served with his votes? Have you agreed with the national Republicans on 96 percent of the issues?

Democrats favor oil revenue hike The Advertiser11/15/2006
Surprising "warm support" for Democrats from The Daily Advertiser. Two points - First by the title of this piece it gives the sense that Democrats are raising taxes on Oil, NOT the Case. And secondly - would it have killed them to illustrate that this is because Senator Landrieu has been working so hard on this?

I suppose I shouldn't "look a gift horse in the mouth..." but...

LeftBlog: ... Are you KIDDING me? Stephen Handwerk11/14/2006
In Sunday’s Editorial from the Daily Advertiser entitled “Boustany’s challenge: Democrat Spending”, at first I thought it was a JOKE. But after reading it again I found that the author was serious… and I have one question – “What color is the sky in your world?”

..."Boustany isn’t the solution; HE’S PART OF THE PROBLEM. When it comes to economic problems Boustany is totally and completely incompetent.”

Republicans Comfort the Comfortable and afflict the afflicted with their policies – ENOUGH!

FACT – Republican BORROW AND SPEND have gotten us into this mess – just as they did under REAGAN – and Democrats will get us out of it… AGAIN."

Blue Mondays - Guilbeau and Fazzio take on Election Night Returns Stephen Handwerk11/13/2006
Anthony and Tommy share their thoughts with us on the election Returns. Lafayette slaps the Durel Tax Down, and Democrats take over BOTH houses in DC. Regretfully Mike Stagg will not be joining them.

Click Here for Part Two of this episode.

LeftBlog:Tax and spend... Republican? Stephen Handwerk10/31/2006
We need solid and bold leadership, of this I think we will all agree. Yet the people of Lafayette City and Parish deserve to have checks and balances in place to insure our will is being followed. It is not too much to ask of this administration, in fact, I believe it is the least they could do.

I strongly urge everyone to VOTE NO to the Sales Tax Increase until we have a better plan outlined.

Blue Mondays SPECIAL - Senator Mary Landrieu Stephen Handwerk10/30/2006
This week we are joined by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu where she makes the case for the Senate Version of the Offshore Revenue Sharing bill. In the second part we continue with the Stagg Town Hall meeting. See part two here.

LAFAYETTE DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VOTES NO ON SALES TAX INCREASE Frank Flynn10/30/2006
At its most recent meeting, the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee voted to oppose the 1 percent sales tax increase on the November 7, 2006 ballot because City-Parish Government has already experienced an increase in its sales and property tax collections to record levels in every year since the Durel Administration took office, and future collections are also expected to reach record levels. Not only has this administration collected a record amount of taxes but it has spent a record amount of taxpayer money, and the 2006-2007 budget already includes a record amount of money to be spent on roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.

Landrieu: Revenue-sharing time short PATRICK COURREGES10/24/2006
Senator Landrieu appears in Acadiana on Monday. Stay tuned as the Senator will be our featured Guest on MOnday night's BLUE MONDAYS at 9pm on AOC Channel 15!

Landrieu thanks locals for help during hurricanes Jan Risher10/24/2006
Taking an opportunity to say thanks to Acadian Ambulance and the people of Lafayette for their response during hurricanes Katrina and Rita, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu made a Monday morning visit to Acadian Ambulance's command center to meet with medics and other staff.

LeftBlog: That Dog Won't Hunt No More Stephen Handwerk10/24/2006
I think we can officially retire the early 80’s “Tax and Spend Liberals” title, don’t you?

Blue Mondays - Part 1 - Mike Stagg For Congress Campaign Stephen Handwerk10/23/2006

Moyers On America: The Net @ Risk - Featuring the Lafayette Fiber Fight Moyers on America10/18/2006
Watch the entire documentary ONLINE! Lafayette is in "CHAPTER 2" for those of you looking for it, but we strongly suggest you watch the entire show.

LeftBlog: Stagg is right for our District Stephen Handwerk10/17/2006
This week I make the local case as to why Mike Stagg is right for our District. Let me know your thoughts!

Blue Mondays SPECIAL - Congressman Charlie Melancon Stephen Handwerk10/16/2006
Congressman Melancon joins us for the entire hour this week on Blue Mondays.

Here is Part ONE:

Here is Part Two:

Support Congressman Melancon by visiting his website

Blue Monday News Stephen Handwerk10/9/2006

Click Here to see our interview with Michael McHale, chairman of the Calcasieu Parish Democrats.

Or you can click here for our show notes from this week's show.

Local, State and National news Stephen Handwerk10/3/2006
Congrats to Brian Thomas, the youngest man ever elected to an Alderman seat in the City of Opelousas! We also look into the FoleyGate scandal and the key players of this unfolding cover up. And then we look at "State of Denial".

Blue Monday News Stephen Handwerk10/2/2006

LeftBlog:Front line in the war against working men and women right here in Lafayette Stephen Handwerk9/26/2006
I think most of us can agree that it is embarrassing what we pay our teachers. Yet if we are no longer making goods and services in this area, funding via sales tax is only going to diminish. There is only so much money we can make through McDonald’s and the sales tax on a Big Mac...

This problem is spiraling out of control, and I think the front line of this battle lands squarely at our front doorstep. The strike at PHI.

Stagg: "Republicans confuse loyalty to party with effective representation" Layne St. Julien9/26/2006
Boustany's role in recovery – or his lack of one – came to a head when the Katrina parishes, hit a month earlier by a weaker storm, were awarded federal support for 100 percent of their clean-up costs while Vermilion, Cameron, and Calcasieu Parishes were denied similar special consideration. It seems that Boustany's conspicuous party loyalty both on the floor of the House (where he voted the party line an astonishing 96 percent of the time) and after Katrina (when he didn't hesitate to lay blame on Louisiana's Democratic state and local governments run over by the season's first great storm) didn't buy him – or his district – much. The Katrina parishes represented by Democrats did better than Boustany's Rita-affected parishes.

LA Dems: BUSH REBUILDING CZAR WRONG FOR PLAYING PARTISAN GAMES Julie Vezinot9/25/2006
“It is completely inappropriate as an appointed public official for Powell to take a stand to support Boustany in his race for Congress. He needs to work with both parties in helping Louisiana’s people recover from these disasters. It’s clear he used this anniversary visit as another attempt to try and sell the Bush message. I take it as an insult, not just as a Democrat, but as a citizen of this state,” Whittington said.

Blue Monday News Stephen Handwerk9/25/2006

LeftBlog: Supporting our troops is more than a sticker - Pt 2 Stephen Handwerk9/19/2006
If we sacrifice our morals and standards that have made our country so great, then the terrorists win. They win by the American people allowing ourselves to stoop to their level. The United States is better than that.

Early Voting starts THIS Monday 9/18 The Advertiser9/17/2006
Early voting starts this Monday - Click this article for details. Don't forget to vote for GOOD DEMOCRATS! See your ballot above!

Doublespeak causes fear, control, confusion Bonnie Lamb9/17/2006
Fear is used to manipulate and control the masses to get whatever it wishes: fear (Orange alerts, "foiled attacks"- no names, dates, explanations). Check parallel times of them under scrutiny and those events ... coincidental?

Stagg Calls on Boustany to Renounce PAC Money in Wake of Ney Corruption Plea Mike Stagg9/15/2006
Democratic congressional candidate Mike Stagg called on Republican Congressman Charles Boustany to return over half of his 2006 campaign war chest and to renounce money from political action committees (PACs) today following Republican Congressman Bob Ney’s guilty plea in a bribery scandal.

Stagg: Boustany ignoring job PATRICK COURREGES9/14/2006
Mike Stagg, not one to mince words, is on the offense with Boustany. Stagg said that despite being a member of the majority party in Congress, and the same party as President Bush, Boustany could not bring U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert into the area until 10 months after the storm. Stagg also said Boustany’s claims of having been “blindsided” by a Bush administration decision to cut off full federal funding of debris cleanup in Rita-affected parishes indicate the incumbent was not looking out for his district.

Why we need more mathematicians, scientists and engineers to win the global economic battle Sen. Mary Landrieu9/13/2006
It’s long past time we made a serious national commitment to global economic competitiveness. Every day we delay making – and acting – on such a commitment, American workers lose more jobs overseas and more doors close on our children’s futures.

Snake Oil: Charles Boustany in Lebanon Greg Peters9/6/2006
Snake Oil does it again this is definitely a series you want to pay attention. This week in the Snake Oil cross hairs is Dr. Charles Boustany. While tens of thousands of his constituents are still trying to find normal after their government has forgotten them, Boustany flies off to Lebanon. (It is worth noting - The Freshman Congressman does not serve on any - ANY international committee where this trip would have been necessary.)

LeftBlog: Labor Day, or just a good day to have a BBQ? Stephen Handwerk9/5/2006
Per capita, Louisiana workers earn less than their counterparts in all of the other 49 states. It is a fact that our teachers, nurses, factory and even our fast food workers all earn less than their counterparts in every other state in this country... It seems clear, this administration has declared WAR on the Middle Class. More of us who grasp on to the last hopes that we will not be the next statistic to fall into the class of the working poor are watching our dreams melt away. At the same time our government is more concerned about IRAQ then they are about repairing our devastated coastal areas.

Sen. Landrieu delivers Democratic Radio Address 8/27/2006
This link is a direct link to the MP3 Audio File. Senator Landrieu does an outstanding job for pointing out the issues and how Democrats will fix them!

LeftBlog: A year later and what do we have to show? 8/22/2006
Charles Boustany should have been just as hawkish (if not more) as Congressman Melancon has been for his district. Instead, the week that FEMA ruled that Cameron Parish could no longer be given debris removal aid, Boustany claimed to have been “BLIND SIDED” by the FEMA decision. How could this be when his ONLY JOB should have been trying to make his district WHOLE again?

How you ask? Because Congressman Boustany was spending the week campaigning for Student Loan forgiveness. For college students hit by Rita and Katrina? Nope – For Heart Surgeons! That is right, while his constituents are struggling to find normal again after having lost EVERYTHING, Boustany spends a week of his time while Congress is in session campaigning to forgive loans to heart surgeons!

LeftBlog: The New John Breaux 8/15/2006
Through Senator Landrieu’s leadership and fully stepping into the masterful leadership role that Breaux forged, we are indeed lucky to have Senator Landrieu working so hard for us. I may not always agree with Senator Landrieu in the positions she takes, but I think that can be said of all statesmen. In order for progress to be made, dialog, debate and ultimately statesmanship must prevail and deals must be struck. No one side can be shut out, and compromises must be made. Senator Landrieu is leading the way on the national stage for Louisiana to fully recover, rebuild and improve and she deserves our respect and support.

LeftBlog: Republicans hold minimum wage hostage for the ‘Paris Hilton estate tax cut’ 8/8/2006
In my opinion, this last round of votes on this issue takes their distain for the working poor of this country to new heights. Since Boustany is proudly on the record at a town hall meeting here in Lafayette where he stated “I won’t support an increase in minimum wage…” , it is obvious that he didn’t vote YES for this bill for the minimum wage increase – instead he voted to repeal the tax cuts to the Paris Hiltons of the country.

Video story: NuComm will move here 8/7/2006
A new call center will hire more than 400 by Sept. 1. (2:14 .mov, 5.3MB)

Blanco: 1,000 jobs coming to Lafayette 8/7/2006
As early as Wednesday, NuComm International, a Canada-based call center company, hopes to start hiring the 1,000 employees it needs for its new call center in the Northgate Mall. "It's going to produce a shot of adrenaline that north Lafayette has been trying so hard to get," said Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

LeftBlog: Stem Cells: Hypocrisy reaches a new heights 8/1/2006
So which is it? Destroying Human Life is wrong, thus in vitro fertilization is wrong and should be stopped. OR We should serve the greater good by using science to improve and preserve life.

Landrieu: Senate Advances Offshore Oil and Gas Revenue Sharing Bill 7/31/2006
Senator Landrieu leads the way in helping Louisiana recover from last years devistation and prepare for the future. “The vote today signals the Senate’s strong endorsement of a bill that would offer Louisiana a significant share of revenue from the energy production off its shores,” Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., said. “With the revenue this bill would provide, we can put into place a long-term strategy to protect our people and our coastline.”

LeftBlog: Your Doing a HECK of a job Johnny! ... And News Roundup 7/25/2006
John Bolton nomination to be U.N. Ambassador, President issues first ever VETO, American Bar Association Condemns Bush’s use of Signing Statements, and More Tax Breaks for Millionaires

LeftBlog: Gov. Blanco Stands Up for the Little Guy... And News Roundup 7/18/2006
This past week Governor Blanco stood up to the LARGE (and ever growing) Telco industry and said “not on my watch” with her VETO of the so called “Cable Franchise Bill.” Make NO mistake, this bill hurts all of the cities in this state (arguably not Lafayette, as it was exempted out) but sets terrible policy.

Also - Cowboy Diplomacy and First Presidential Veto

Sen Landrieu on Stem Cell Research Bills 7/18/2006
“There is no doubt that embryonic stem cell research holds the promise of curing diseases such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cancer. Even President Bush stressed in 2001 that federal dollars help attract the best and brightest scientists and help ensure that new discoveries are widely shared at the largest number of research facilities. He’s right. Federal funding not only allows us to encourage and financially support this research, it allows us to use the power of the purse to be sure it is done in the safest and most ethical way possible."

Governor vetoes cable bill, few appropriations 7/12/2006
Governor Blanco's Veto sends CLEAR MESSAGE that she is standing up for "the little guy". With vertually all of the mayors from throughout the state as well as the Police Juries against this bill, this was a clear win for the people of Louisiana.

LeftBlog: Vote This Saturday... And Another thing! 7/11/2006
Remember to vote this Saturday! We also take a look into the recent Supreme Court Ruling against the Bush Administration and new revelations by the Congress of yet another Intel Program the Bush Administration has hidden from Congress.

Candidate to shun cash from PACs 7/6/2006
LAFAYETTE — Lafayette Democrat Mike Stagg said Wednesday that he intends to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-Lafayette, in the Nov. 7 election for Louisiana’s 7th District Congressional seat, and does not need or want political action committee money to do it.

Democrat Stagg to challenge Boustany 7/3/2006
A Democratic candidate has stepped up to challenge freshman congressman Charles Boustany - the first Republican voters in District 7 have ever elected for office.

Women Democrats for Change 6/26/2006
The “Dean” of the Women Senators, Senator Barbara Mikulski, led this group of incredible women in their common purpose to set out to effect change on REAL issues facing Americans today; a stark departure from the divisive “Non-Issues” the Republican administration has been working on.

Current climate of Politics. 6/20/2006
I am reminded of a brightly lit Jackson Square approximately two weeks after Katrina hit New Orleans where President “Uniter not a Divider” Bush stated in part that this recovery will be one the likes that “we have never seen before.” Yet partisan tricks and games have cost the people of Louisiana dearly.

LeftBlog by Stephen Handwerk 6/14/2006
Tax cuts for Everyone! ... Really?

Landrieu: Big Victory in Hurricane Funding Fight 6/8/2006
"$4.2 B Louisiana Housing Plan Fully Funded; Significant Sums for Levees, Other Needs Also Included."

Senator Landrieu continues to lead the way to insuring Louisiana can and will rebuild from the devistation we faced last year. We are very proud of your work senator, keep it up!

Is it a sin to vote for Republican candidates? Ron Bodin5/30/2006
It is not a sin to be Republican, but in light of wars of choice, in light of a know-nothing president, in views of this administration's indifference to the victims of Rita and Katrina, in view of Republican unwillingness to enact a ban on abortions, in view of Republican apathy toward the poor and the working class, in view of Republican secrecy and out-and-out lies, perhaps my former pastor's words ring true.

Privacy not protected by president's project Ray W. Culter5/22/2006
Now that the outrageous "phone record" project is out from under cover, President Bush avers that "the people's privacy is zealously protected." Hogwash. It would be hilarious if it weren't so serious - and insulting that they think we buy their story.

Try facts for formulating opinion on price of gas Kevin Duck5/21/2006
Good business, good politics, corporate greed? You decide.

Limited infrastructure, tax base hinder progress Barbara J. Conner5/15/2006
More public participation in the planning process will help speed designing a parish-wide comprehensive plan for development. In the meantime, public and governmental action can set interim guidelines until a completed plan is approved.

Fulfill oath; raise the minimum wage Kenny Liner 5/15/2006
How would you like to try to raise a family on minimum wage?

Gasoline offer ridiculous and insulting Ray W. Culter5/14/2006
So, the U.S. Senate (Repubs, at that!) wants to send each of us $100 to ease our pain at the gas pump. How ridiculous! How disgusting! How insulting!

Ominous crises are facing our nation Vic Hummert4/26/2006
Years ago, we were warned about the troubles to follow in Iraq by then Secretary of State Colin Powell. He wisely said to President Bush: "If you break it, you own it." Powell meant that any intrusion into Iraq's territory, besides being a violation of international law, would embroil this nation in a war that will not be won, even by Pentagon admission. Our waging war in Iraq would drop a match into the pool of gasoline that describes politics of the Gulf region. Against all wise advice, Bush made his decision, reminiscent of Henry Kissinger's comment about an earlier fallen president, "If the president does it, then it is legal!" Mr. Nixon was brought down for a simple burglary.

Republican legislators should be fired Richard Warren4/12/2006
The Democratic plan is simple - hire the best and brightest Americans we can find to manage our government agencies (instead of unqualified cronies), create an agenda that emphasizes real security for our nation, work for strong economic growth, provide affordable health care for all Americans and legislate for retirement security. If Republicans have amnesia, let me remind them that good Democratic programs created the largest middle class in the history of the world.

ATTENTION: Displaced New Orleans Voters 4/10/2006
For information on how to vote, where to vote and other information for Displaced New Orleans voters, click this link.

Republican embarrassed by actions within party Kevin Duck4/8/2006
I am a registered Republican and have been for 21 years. Recent events have greatly disturbed me and caused me to question my affiliation. I am embarrassed by those who have represented our party.

LANDRIEU TO HOLD ACTION ON PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEES 4/4/2006
Senator Landrieu has had enough "lip service" from this President. If words could rebuild New Orleans (and I would add Cameron Parish) then it would have been rebuilt before the Staged Lights were removed from Jackson Square. It's time this President Stands up for Louisiana.

What makes a person a loyal conservative? Edward Hidalgo3/27/2006
In the next election, people need to remember those accomplishments and vote in more from that party. The nation is not totally wasted yet. Help them complete the job. Oh, yes, we need a higher deficit.

How do we comprehend $9 trillion debt ceiling? Vic Hummert3/26/2006
Joseph deMaistre (1753-1821) said, "Every country has the government it deserves." Future generations do not deserve what is occurring now.

Senator Landrieu out in Front "Fighting for Middle Class Americans" 3/14/2006
"The American people expect a budget that reflects their priorities and values," said Senator Landrieu. "Unfortunately, the Administration's budget proposal misplaces America's priorities, ignores our values, bypasses victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and squeezes the middle-class."

U.S. morals sinking faster than Titanic Jean Smith3/6/2006
Torture destroys not only the victim's body, but the torturer's soul.

Charge that liberals invent stories untrue Stephen Handwerk3/5/2006
The information is out there for people who want it, but I suppose it is easier to just deny it and go back to watching morning cartoons.

Weakening Guard would leave states highly vulnerable Editorial3/4/2006
If Louisiana is facing the second half of a hurricane cycle that could add to the death and destruction of previous storms - and we have no reason to doubt the opinions of experts - we need the strongest National Guard possible. We believe the president is sincere in his reassurances to the states. Budget issues already in motion, however, must not be allowed to weaken the Guard. The nation's governors have made it clear that they will fight any reduction in Guard strength. It is important that our congressional delegation join in such a bipartisan effort. It should be a top priority.

Tort reform doesn't benefit you, me Robert Bourne3/4/2006
Don't blame lawyers; blame insurance companies. They claim that premiums are high because of frivolous lawsuits and huge settlements, but the American Insurance Association stated, "The Insurance industry never promised that tort reform would achieve specific premium savings. ..."

Secret energy meetings public record Anthony Fazzio3/3/2006
There's no right-wing conspiracy here, as one of your contributors suggests. Nah, corruption in the Bush administration is blatant. All you have to do is look.

Drug import laws protect companies, not the U.S. public Gene Flyte 3/3/2006
In what is perhaps the best outline we have seen detailing the out of control perscription drug policy of this administration, this guest editorial shares his views and issues that are shared by Millions of American Citizens.

It is time to raise the minimum wage now Charles R. King3/2/2006
I challenge anyone to write to this forum and defend the present amount. Fat cats and executives with exorbitant salaries, bonuses and pensions need not respond. Your opposition to an immediate increase in the minimum wage is inhumane and cannot be justified, but I dare you to try it anyway!

Senator Landrieu to hold administration Accountable on Disaster Loan Program 3/1/2006
On the heels of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster loan program nearly shutting down twice last month, Senators Mary Landrieu, D-La., and John Kerry, D-Mass., called on the Bush Administration to report to Congress on the program’s financial status daily. More than six months since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, it is time to focus on the long-term recovery of the area, including getting money lent to families and businesses that need it.

Halliburton to Get Paid Most of Disputed Funds 2/28/2006
The Army has decided to reimburse a Halliburton subsidiary for nearly all of its disputed costs on a $2.41 billion no-bid contract to deliver fuel and repair oil equipment in Iraq, even though the Pentagon's own auditors had identified more than $250 million in charges as potentially excessive or unjustified.

Professionalism, not privatization, needed for school bus safety Frank Flynn2/22/2006
The Lafayette Parish Democrats come out in support of the School Bus Drivers and urge School Board members to side with Professionalism. By Privatizing the system after the issues we have had in the last year and a half "would be like a doctor seeing a cut on your finger and then amputating your arm" these issues can be fixed without "Wal*Mart-tizing" our children's transportation, stated Stephen Handwerk.

Addiction is caused by big oil companies Anthony Fazzio2/20/2006
Heck, common sense tells you if you were going to blame the addict, don't have secret meetings with the neighborhood dealer to figure out a way to make greater profits from the addiction.

37 million poor hidden in the land of plenty 2/19/2006
"A shocking 37 million Americans live in poverty. That is 12.7 per cent of the population - the highest percentage in the developed world." ... "Under President George W Bush an extra 5.4 million have slipped below the poverty line. Yet they are not a story of the unemployed or the destitute. Most have jobs. Many have two."

Bush Approval Ratings Sinking... FURTHER 2/19/2006
In this state by state polling you will see the Bush numbers lower everywhere in our country. It is especially interesting to note the "RED" states and how low their numbers are going as well.

BREAKING NEWS: GAO reports Bush Admin spends over $1.6 BILLION in PR and Advertising 2/13/2006