From the Ouchita Citizen: As he tries to convince conservatives that he’s one of them, Democrat turned Republican John Kennedy must also deal with the question of just how conservative Louisiana really is.
For the second time in less than two weeks the Democratic direct mail and political consulting firm of Ourso Beychok Johnson, Inc. helped orchestrate dramatic victories in Congressional Districts long considered Republican strongholds. The win last Tuesday night by Democrat Travis Childers in Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District followed closely on the heels of Don Cazayoux’s stunning victory on May 3rd in Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District. Read more
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.
From the Advocate: Questions over the meaning of Democrat Don Cazayoux’s victory in Louisiana’s 6th district linger a week after his victory over Republican Woody Jenkins.