Free Republic

An e-mail appeal was sent this morning from the campaign office of Congressman Bobby Jindal (R-Kenner), with this title, “We must raise $21,201 in 48 hours!” Is Jindal in financial trouble? No, he has more money in his account than any other Louisiana congressman, a pretty impressive situation for such a newcomer. Does Jindal have serious opposition in his congressional re-election campaign to warrant concern? No, no reputable candidate one would be foolish enough to run against such a popular congressman. The purpose of the e-mail appeal is to excite supporters to help the congressman “reach our goal.” Jindal wants...

Three independent sources have informed us that former U.S. Senator John Breaux is telling political insiders that he is in fact running for Governor. Breaux, a darling of the courthouse crowd, is seen by Democratic Party operatives as the only hope of keeping them in the mansion and shoring up the down ballot statewide incumbent’s political futures. Breaux began his career as an understudy to then Congressman Edwin W. Edwards and followed him in that Acadiana district seat serving many years prior to his election to the Senate. Breaux’s most famous political quote came in the context of a deal...

After last week's revelation in this newspaper that former Council President Peggy Wilson had met with consultants for a bid to seek the Orleans' Chief Executive post, sources reveal to The Louisiana Weekly that State Senator Francis Heitmeier is also considering a bid for Mayor. ... The Algiers Democrat, a Caucasian, hails from one of the only parts of New Orleans untouched by Hurricane Katrina could prove a formidable challenge to any candidate, especially Wilson who would count on the area's middle class whites. ...the changing racial dynamics of the Crescent City point to a white candidate having an advantage...

The sting of Katrina's blow to southeast Louisiana will be felt for years to come. The culture, the economy, the community will be changed forever. But what about the politics? Campaigns could soon head out of state to catch up with evacuees. For decades in Louisiana, democrats have counted on the same tightly-knit block of voters to seal their victories -- the Ninth Ward. "The Ninth Ward elected Kathleen Blanco, the Ninth Ward elected Mary Landrieu, the Ninth Ward has elected a lot of statewide elected officials who are democrats," says political consultant Roy Fletcher. Fletcher says with residents of...

Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley said Wednesday that he didn't swindle taxpayers by having the state buy him two luxury vehicles in two years. Wooley characterized the controversy as "a pimple on a bee's ass." He made his first public comments on the controversy outside a committee room at the State Capitol, where a panel of lawmakers rapidly reviewed his department's $28.1 million budget proposal for the upcoming year. The budget didn't draw any questions from the House Appropriations Committee. The committee's chairman, Rep. John Alario, D-Westwego, attributed the speediness to the fact that the department relies on fees and self-generated...

Brand New Poll A new poll conducted for PoliticsLA.com by JPI Polling & Market Research shows Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Bobby Jindal with a 9% lead over Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Kathleen Blanco. Click here to see the cross tabs. PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY SURVEY DATES: November 9-10, 2003 NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS: 667 MARGIN OF ERROR: +/- 3.9% (95% confidence level) Typically, the general public only sees final numbers and a general summary. But NOT this time. We've decided to open up the polling process and provide every piece of data available. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy! Click here to...