The Times-Picayune’s Stephanie Grace has covered the Washington Mardi Gras all week. She’s reported curious quotes and contradictory statements, and she’s fairly drawn a picture of Louisiana politicos lettin’ les bon temps roulette. Today’s letter from Washington, however, is downright creepy.
Washington Mardi Gras has come and gone, and it’s time to ask the perennial question: Is the whole thing a critical networking opportunity for elected officials and business and civic leaders, or just a big lobbyist-funded party? Read more
Former Congressman Chris John, who lost to Sen. David Vitter in 2004, was apparently telling anyone at Washington Mardi Gras who would listen that a Vitter-John rematch is in the cards for 2010. Bruce Alpert and Bill Walsh seem suitably unimpressed with John’s challenge, focusing instead on Vitter’s problems with fellow Republicans.
Also: Woody Jenkins presses the flesh (with suitcases in tow); a timid Baker lurks outside a Mardi Gras party; and Jindal declines to dictate ethics to WMG Krewe.
Today’s Times-Picayune examines how the legendary Washington Mardi Gras skirts (or rather will skirt, in perpetuity) all ethics reform.
