Kennedy Subject of Ethics Investigation
From the Gambit Weekly: State Treasurer and Senate hopeful John Neely Kennedy faces an investigation into allegations that he forced state employees to do work for his Senate campaign.
Corruption
Chief Justice LA Supreme Court Enraged by Allegations
You’ll remember back in March there were rumors the Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Pascal Calogero, was about to resign due to allegations the court’s decisions were being influenced by campaign contributions.
So far, Calogero has not resigned, but yesterday he launched a blistering broadside on Tulane Law School professor Vernon Valentine Palmer and Loyola University business professor John Levendis, whose research prompted the allegations.
Betty Jefferson Indicted
Times-Picayune: “U.S. Attorney Jim Letten is expected to announce this afternoon that 4th District Assessor Betty Jefferson, an elder sister of U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, has been indicted on fraud-related charges by a federal grand jury.”
Vitter still mum on sin
From the Advocate: Disgraced Senator once again deflects questions over his engagement with a prositution ring.
Vitter hoping hard times will make people forget serious sin
From the News Star: Disgraced Senator David Vitter is banking on the high price of gas and overall bad times to help him overcome his relationship with the late DC Madam Deborah Jean Palfrey. Palfrey who committed suicide last month after being convicted on charges of operating a prostituion ring, did not call Vitter to the stand during her trial.
Jindal’s Connections to Landfill Company Questioned
From The Gambit Weekly: A $50,000 contribution from Colorado-based landfill company Louisiana Land Systems will resurface as the company seeks to open a landfill just outside of Baton Rouge.
Official: Ethics board lacks tools for new probe standards
From the Associate Press: Ethics Board administrator and general counsel Richard Sherburne says the Ethics Board is not equipped to prosecute ethics charges under the new “clear and convincing” standard.
House kills “Clear and Convincing”
From the Associated Press: In a 45-42 vote, the Louisiana House returned the standard by which ethics complaints are judged to “any substantial evidence” from “clear and convincing.” The standard was raised at the last minute during last February’s special session, through an amendment submitted by Jindal floor chief Sen. Bob Kostelka.
Since the discovery of the change of standard, the Jindal administration has come under fire for essentially gutting the very ethics package he had been touting. Allegations that Jindal’s executive counsel, Jimmy Faircloth actually drafted the amendment has gone without comment by the Jindal administration.
The bill now goes to the Senate where it is likely that Kostelka will work to have the amendment, sponsored by State Rep. Cedric Richmond, stripped.
DHH chief Levine accused of “dubious” expense practices
From the Broward New Times: Alan Levine, Governor Jindal’s appointee to lead the state Department of Health and Hospitals collected $35,000 from Florida’s Broward County Community Hospital for moving expenses despite the fact that he never actually moved there.
Shepherd pleads not guilty
From New Orleans CityBusiness
