State Elections

"When a chicken and a half takes a day and a half to lay an egg and a half, then you know how many meatballs it takes to build a tin roof over a soft-shell crab."

----- House Appropriations Chairman John Alario, D-Westwego, on his formula for figuring out the state budget.

Governor's Race

The past governor's race saw Democrat Kathleen Blanco defeating Bobby Jindal, a Republican. Blanco has hit the carpet strong and is off and running. However, some interest groups are starting to wonder whether her campaign promises are starting to erode early in her first term. Stay tuned. It'll be interesting..

Governor Foster is retired, according to sources. He continues to go to law school at Southern in Baton Rouge. I think it's free.

Governor Foster's 62% of the vote showed a mandate from the people of Louisiana that they wanted him as governor, again. Bill Jefferson and his 30% of the popular vote was less than half of what Foster collected. Obviously, not what the citizenry wanted. His liberal philosophy is best controlled where he can do the least damage--Washington D. C. hanging around Bill Clinton.

Teachers can look forward to more pay increases, and we hope that the governor doesn't trade more work days for higher pay. This is NOT a raise. When he did this a couple of years ago, it wasn't a pay increase. It was simply adding work days to the school year. Increase, no? Longer work year, yes? Please just a pay increase. After the pay is at the southern average -- then, work something out with the L.F.T. and the other state teacher's union. But, you don't have to stay with the southern average. Why not the national average? Or, northeastern average?

Now, what about the other candidates for the governor's race? Messiah Darryl Paul Ward and his 1% of the vote. How much does it cost to get into the governor's race? Who's Bob McElroy (1%) and Ronnie Glynn Johnson (0%)?

Did Tom Greene expected the teacher's block to support him after all those anti-educator bills? Huh? There are a lot of teachers statewide. Union and non-union. Could Tom have cleaned up education as he suggested? Or, would he have just continued his vendetta against teachers? Can't do both Mr. Greene. Was Tom held back a year or two in grade school?

5/10/00 - Murphy J. Foster III, the governor's son, is appealing a ruling by the state ethics board that bans his law firm from doing any legal work for state agencies. Murphy III was told that he cannot participate, but his firm can.

8/19/00 - Gov. Foster, apparently, will replace Ecotry Fuller of Shreveport on the Gambling Board. Fuller was acquitted of wrongdoing in the casino extortion case involving former governor, Edwin Edwards.

8/23/00 - Ronald A. Goux and Frank Simone, two longtime Causeway Commissioners, were told to retire by Gov. Foster. Apparently they, or someone else, doesn't agree.

11/4/00 - The Times Picayune is reporting that the Public Service Commission has hired a law firm in which Gov. Foster's son is a partner. Hmmm... Is this a conflict of interest that the governor is not worried about since he's a lame duck public official?

11/8/00 - Governor Foster's amendment support went for nill. Even his money couldn't help pass them. Only amendment three passed, but it needed two to pass also for the Stelly Plan to develop. So, no pay raise for teachers through these initiatives.

11/17/00 - Governor Foster has changed his mind about Harrah's. Remember the many times he's said no to the city's casino? Well, now he says he'll do what's best for the state. Flip-flop! Is this a name for a song?

11/21/00 - The teacher unions are meeting this week and threatening job actions if the issue of pay raises is ignored this school year.

11/22/00 - One minute Foster's okaying teacher job actions....next, he's not. One minute he's against Harrah's...next, he's not. One minute he's for a early 2001 special session, ... next, he's not. Wow, what a pendulum!

12/1/00 - Governor Foster met with the state's largest teacher unions for an hour this past Thursday and has agreed to meet monthly to resolve the pay raise issue. Possible solutions include a special session in January to help Harrah's out and use some of the new recurring revenue to raise teacher pay.

12/24/00 - Page A-4 of the Times Picayune has TEACHER STRIKES LOOMING LARGE AS 2001 NEARS ...will the Foster flu bug bit teachers in the near future?

8/23/02 - Apparently a request from President Bush was not enough to convince the governor to run for U.S. Senate against Mary Landrieu. Too bad! Former Governor Edwin Edwards saw his convictions unanimously upheld by the federal appeals court. Looks bad for him and the others convicted in the case.

Any comments? Email me at: webmaster.

Lieutenant Governor

With just two precincts missing as of 10/25/99 Ms. Blanco collected 80% of the vote in the primary of 10/23/99. Eighty percent prevents a runoff in November 1999. The other candidates involved collected just 20%. A mandate from the people, much like Governor Foster's 62%.

I saw one sign for Cornel Martin on Power Blvd. as I traveled to work. Nothing for Duplantis or Sadie Roberts-Joseph. Did I see some television ads from these guys? Hmm. Sadie who?

Ms. Blanco heads the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Wanna check it out? LDCRT? No controversy...no problems, right? Except the controversial booth in Canada promoting tourism in Louisiana. Not manned all the time? Or, sometimes manned by Canadians and other non-Louisianans?

10/26/01 - David Boulet, son-in-law of the Lieutenant Governor, was recently hired as a specialist in the state's oil and gas sector at a salary of $120,000! He is married to Kathleen Blanco's daughter, Monique. Blanco claims she didn't know about this. Boulet claims he never told anyone of this. Well, maybe not... but doesn't talk around the water dispenser inform everyone involved anyhow? First the governor's son. Now the Lieutenant Governor's son... Is public office a ticket to taking care of politicians' relatives? We have heard too many excuses from the elected office holders. I didn't know about that. My son's an independent person. That has nothing to do with him being my son. I didn't know about that. Well, it's time for them to tell their relatives to NOT get involved with this type of baloney. Either tell them, or resign the office...

6/25/03 - Things are getting desperate in the upcoming race for the Lt. Governor. State Senator Mitch Landrieu has entered the race and has caused some eyebrow raising. Did former Lt.Governor Melinda Schwegmann know this was coming when she dediced to switch political parties? Does she fear the Landrieu name? Did she consider the amount of money needed to win in confronting Landrieu? After all, her husband's former supermarket chain just lost a major court decision regarding paying former employees promised retirement benefits. Hmmm...

Attorney General

Attorney General Richard Ieyoub's assistant, Connie Koury, had been talking to the feds about all the corruption mess going on. Supposedly, she tells the ex-governor that she is going to divert some criminal investigation. Does she have this much power? 5/31/00

Secretary of State

Apparently the voters of Louisiana are satisfied with the current Secretary of State. Either he has done a good job, or potential candidates are afraid of running against him. Or, the serious candidates don't have enough money to run against him. He does have a very familiar name to voters. His father helped sell the Superdome project. He also promised, and did, remove tolls on the bridge crossings over the Mississippi River in the New Orleans area. Remember, this is the position that requires the person to oversee the preparation of ballots and election results. He/she also publishes Louisiana's official records, including state acts and legislative journals. He is the keeper of the Great Seal. The individual also keeps: articles of incorporation, corporate reports, trademarks, trade names, and registering for all commissions. Keeper of the Great Seal? I never knew it needed the special attention.

Additional notes:
1/30/00 - The news media is reporting that Fox McKeithen was arrested this weekend for DWI as he was stopped near the Blue Bayou park around the Baton Rouge area and was given a field sobriety test. His alcohol level was later found to be .151. Fox, who has a drinking problem, was NOT arrested. He was only given a summons. This was reported by State Police as standard operating procedure. Sounds suspicious.... Was anyone else stopped for DWI in this area and not arrested due to no jail space available?

While I wish Mr. McKeithen all the best with his problem, I would ask him if his problem is keeping him from performing his duties.

Note: This is reported to the public via this web site for informational purposes only. Information provided is not to be interpreted as being anything other than a news story.

February 2000 - Secretary of State Fox McKeithen has stated in local print media that he will plead guilty to driving-while-intoxicated and serve his 48 hours in jail, plus whatever else the law states. Should Fox resign, or should the people of Louisiana look the other way? Check your La. history to find out how the earlier citizenry handled like situations.

March 2000 - Secretary of State Fox McKeithen got two days house arrest, a $1,000 fine and thirty-two hours of community service. Court costs were $194, including a $75 fee for the sobriety test. While this fessing-up is admirable on Mr. McKeithen's part, why house arrest? All parish prisons are crowded....

11/21/00 - In the face of voting problems in Florida's Presidential election count, La.'s Secretary of State, Fox McKeithen has argued for national standards in vote-counting. He suggested that Florida buy voting machines, or computerized voting systems. Design standardized ballots too. Eliminate punch-out ballots. He also called for an end to to the Electoral College and use popular vote. Hmmm.

1/3/01 - Candidates are coming out from nowhere to qualify for Steve Windhorst's 86th District seat. Since Windhorst was elected to the 24th District Court, Lawyer Leo Palazzo and Sherman Copelin have joined computer consultant Terrie Carrie Guerin, veterinarian George Robinson and former Saints linebacker, Pat Swilling. Copelin has reportedly moved out of his old district to run in this won. He's finished. He's done. No more financial deals to sell to race track builders, no more bribes, no more dealmaking. This district is too smart to elect Copelin. Swilling is the hands-on favorite to win this position. This site urges voters of this district to vote against Copelin.

Commissioner of Elections

It's been reported that Jerry Fowler overpaid someone for the new electronic voting booths. He's now under indictment awaiting trial on something else. During the election, he like the other indicted Louisiana officials, swore his innocence. Obviously, not enough people believed him. He's out --and thus ends his family's legacy as Commissioner of Elections. Is it good riddance, or will he be exonerated? Good riddance. Jerry will probably be found at fault by the presiding courts. I say probably, because everyone's innocent until proven guilty. Just what Jerry's been saying. Innocent. We shall see Mr. Fowler.

The October 1999 primary saw Louis "Woody" Jenkins get top vote (26%) among the eleven candidates. Next was New Orleanian resident, Suzanne Haik Terrell. Thus, the November 1999 runoff will be Jenkins vs. Terrell. Interesting competition.The unofficial results as of 10/25/99 showed Gary Reynolds, Wray Anderson, Neil "Sam" Melancon and Robert K. Lansden with 10% of the vote, together. Another 11% went to: Ben Beychok, "Jim" Crowley, and Charles Brou. A lot of candidates, huh? Not much vote gathering. Oh, Mary Chehardy got a not-so-surprising 8% (her surname is well known in the New Orleans area).
A Times-Picayune, 11/19/1999, article reports that Jerry Fowler is facing another indictable count, for allegedly buying from J. David Philpot of Birmingham, "overpriced machines" and getting paid "kickbacks". Fowler was indicted on three counts of malfeasance in office and four counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering as a result of this. This is in addition to the other eight counts of malfeasance, filing false public records and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Well, the runoff is over. Haik-Terrell beat Woody Jenkins.... Woody had a great plan - Terrell virtually silent....Supported her in the first primary, but with no plan of action - went with Woody.... Poor Woody....He'll have to try again..... more later....12/1/99. The vote total was Terrell with 437,817 and Woody Jenkins with 302,261.
7/18/00 - Times-Picayune - After more than six months on the job, Suzanne Haik Terrell, said she is still finding corruption. She claims that everyday she's conducting investigations. Amazing.

11/18/00 - Jerry Fowler's attempt to move his money-laundering trial out of Baton Rouge was rejected by a three-judge panel of the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal. The trial is still set to begin November 27th.

11/22/00 - Jerry Fowler, who had asked for a change of venue, and was denied, was also denied a delay because of the denial. The trial is still scheduled to begin next week. The La. Supreme Court voted 7-0 to deny Fowler's request to stop the trial.

11/26/00 - Fowler's nine-count indictment trial surfaces tomorrow as scheduled. He is charged with receiving millions in kickbacks and payoffs for contracts he parceled out during his tenure in office.

11/28/00 - Jerry Fowler pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme that made him $3 million in kickbacks.

3/8/02 - A legislative committee wants to know why the commissioner of elections hasn't moved to cut costs by regionalizing voting machine storage and transportation contracts around the state. Committee members say that a 1997 law authorized the agency to store voting machines in regional warehouses, abolish parish warehouse contracts and consolidate the voting machine hauling efforts.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry
The commissioner of this office oversees soil and water conservation and promotes Louisiana agriculture and forestry. Apparently, Bob Odom was unopposed. Great name recognition and a long time incumbent. Potential challengers may be afraid of this incumbency. Or, don't have enough money to challenge. Seems like this position should be selected by the state legislature. The commissioner of this office oversees soil and water conservation and promotes Louisiana agriculture and forestry. Apparently, Bob Odom was unopposed due to great name recognition and long-term incumbency. Potential challengers may be afraid of this. Or, maybe they don't have enough money to climb such an uphill battle.
The commissioner of this office oversees soil and water conservation and promotes Louisiana agriculture and forestry. Apparently, Bob Odom was unopposed. Great name recognition and a long time incumbent. Potential challengers may be afraid of this incumbency. Or, don't have enough money to challenge.
Seems like this position could be selected by the state legislature in a general referendum.

5/4/01 - Well the corruption bug is flying around this department. A crop duster is accusing Bob Odom of fining him because he refused to contribute to his campaign. Donald Johnson of Transylvania told a grand jury that although no one ever made a direct threat, former inspectors for the department told him that he would be made an example of. Odom says nonsense. Other individuals have also accused Odom of wrongdoing including former warehouse workers and other crop dusters.

2/5/02 - A legislative auditor has released a report that accused Odom of using governmental planes and employees for personal use. Odom says the report is "grossly irresponsible." Will he sue to prove he's right? Hmmm.

7/19/02 - A Baton Rouge contractor, B. Lehman Williamson, recently received notice saying that he is a target in a criminal probe involving Bob Odom. The probe involves contracts for storage of commodity food. Apparently, Williamson had also been involved in an earlier investigation involving Elections Commissioner Jerry Fowler who had pleaded guilty of rigging contracts. Fowler is currently serving a five-year sentence in a federal prison.

8/23.02 - Well after much speculation in the circles of politics, suspicions have been confirmed. Bob Odom has been indicted on 21-counts, including bribery, extorting campaign contributions, etc. His reaction, "Absolutely false." Our reaction, "We don't think so, Bob." Stay tuned.

Insurance Commissioner

Commissioner Jim Brown with 47% of the primary vote made it into the runoff with second place finisher, Allen Boudreaux (30%) of the voting total. Third place finisher was an individual Brown claimed he fired, Winston W. Riddick. Brown is also under indictment with others involving the liquidation of the Cascade Insurance Company. Also another case, I believe, involving something else.

If you're considering voting for Mr. Brown, consider this: the last three sitting Insurance Commissioners have either served time in federal prison, or are under indictment.
But, unfortunately, the challenger Allen Boudreaux supposedly owns ABC Insurance company - which has (allegedly) the most complaints with the Insurance Commissioner's office. This was all over the media during the mud-slinging campaign. Any surprise others know this, too? Or, why I
note this?
Thus, you have it! NO choice this time. Is the lesser of two evils, Boudreaux?
Note this: The New Orleans Times Picayune reports, 11-3-99, that "Allen Boudreaux gave a $2,500 campaign contribution in 1990 to then-Insurance Commissioner Doug Green, one week after Green was indicted on federal corruption charges". "...Green was convicted"---- Manuel Roig-Franzia
Times-Picayune (11/8/99) reports that the two candidates are busy slinging mud at each other. Whatever happened to the issues? Each bringing up the term 'felonies'. Brown's taking campaign contributions from felons? Boudreaux employs felons at his business? Anyway...will they ever lower insurance rates?
Times-Picayune (11/11/99) Judge Ronald Bodenheimer ordered Jim Brown, a desperate candidate, to stop alleging his opponent hired convicted felons to work in his insurance agency. Brown's indictment is forcing him to sling mud to win. And, it might be effective. Boudreaux's campaign will probably suffer. Why something like this is allowed is beyond me. It certainly can ruin a candidacy if, in fact, they are lies.
Well, it's 12/1/99 and the election is over. Jim Brown won and Louisiana becomes the first state to re-elect an indicted public official. Oh well, there's always the possibility of a new election after the January trial. Hope there's good candidates. Brown's vote total was: 426,098, while Allen Boudreaux's was 319, 124. Like I wrote just above - hope the post-January trial brings real candidates.
10/12/00 - Jim Brown was convicted of seven counts of lying to the FBI while the other defendants were acquitted. Former Gov. Edwin Edwards was one of them. Brown, just a few months into a new term, will have his top aide (J. Robert Wooley) run the office. Brown is the third La. Insurance Commissioner in a row to be convicted (or pleading guilty) to a felony. The others were Sherman Bernard and Doug Green.

8/23/02 - Well, it looks like the acting Insurance Commissioner was wrong when he said that he thought Jim Brown will be soon coming back. With former Governor Edwards' conviction being upheld, Brown's case doesn't look good either.

Treasurer

Incumbent Ken Duncan loser with 44% of the vote

John Kennedy - the winner with 56% of the vote (unofficial results) has been elected head of the Department of Treasury and custodian of the state's money. Kennedy will now keep records of ALL monies received and paid out. Money not needed, right away, must be properly invested. The state's new treasurer gives annual financial report to governor and legislature one month before regular legislative sessions. Now, think this person should remain honest?

The position was vacated when Mary Landrieu decided to run for the U. S. Senate.

State Senate

There were several State Senator races, as well as many incumbents re-elected without opposition. And yes, several of these lucky senators needed opposition. But, it's the same old story, no one wants to run against seemingly unreachable odds. Next time maybe Sen. Tom Greene's name was nowhere in sight. Could it be he resigned to run for governor? Hope so!

1st Senatorial District: one of the Andrys, Gilbert IV (or is it III) the Andrys (his father III ran for District Judge in the 34th JDC, Division C) involved the Andry's wanting some campaign contributions they (or one of them) gave to a judicial candidate after the senior entered the 34th - C race. Indian giver?
The unofficial totals saw the leader Lynn Dean collect 39% of the vote while spending little money. Second placer was Diana B. Dysart with 30%. Diana just looks like she should be a good and committed housewife and mother and leave the political game for female headhunters. Or, is she a lawyer? Oh, Hugh Craft got a pitiful 9%. Go back to Nunez, doc.
Dean believes and supports the right-to-die for the terminally ill. This is wrong, period. The gift of life should never be taken lightly, and no self-made millionaire has the expertise to support anything like this. He may be capable of sending an elevating boat machine out to pasture, but not a human life. But, he's sincere, dedicated and honest, and few politicians can say this. I support him because of his commitment to this Senate district.

In the 2nd Senatorial District: Jon D. Johnson 47%) and Louis Charbonnet (33%) are in the November 1999 runoff. Dwayne "Twin" Alcorn (3%) and Joe Aidoo (17%) followed. Aidoo with seventeen percent. Did he walk the streets and walk hard? Hmmm... Johnson is the incumbent.
The 6th Senatorial District: James "Jimmy" DeSonier lost to John J. Hainkel, Jr. with just 25% of the vote. Hainkel earned a first primary victory with 75% of the vote. This race saw a lot of mudslinging. Think Milton-Bradley could market a game called Mudslinging? Hainkel is the incumbent.
The 8th Senatorial District: J Chris Ullo won a first primary victory with a whopping 77% of the popular vote. Elwyn J. Nicholson (25%) followed next. Dave Sanderson rounded out the bottom with 9%. Ullo is the incumbent.
The 12th Senatorial District: Jerry Thomas (76%) beat Stanley Middleton by fifty-two percent.
In the 13th Senatorial District: Heulette "Clo" Fontenot beat Joseph "Joe" Greco 70% to 30%. Are you noticing all the nicknames? Supposedly it helps to win. Think so?
In the 15th Senate District Wilson Fields (Cleo's brother) beat R. J. Saia 65% to 35%. The Fields seem to be pro-teacher. Good!
The 17th Senatorial District: Robert "Rob" Marionneaux, Jr., with 45% of the district vote, earned a runoff with Tim Johnson with 31%. Last place finisher was Clyde W. Kimball (23%) of the vote.
The 19th Senatorial District: Joel T. Chaisson II (53%) beat Ron Landry (47%).
In the 20th Senatorial District showed Michael Robichaux (56%) outpoint Chris Bollinger with forty-four percent.
The 21st Senate District: "Butch" Gautreaux (60%) beat "Mike" Domino (33%) and George E. Adams (7%). Outright win - no second primary.
The 23rd Senatorial District showed "Mike" Michot (68%) outshine "Max" Jordan with 32%.
In the 24th Senatorial District, Donald "Don" Cravins (64%) beat Dwayne Hargroder (36%).
The 26th Senatorial District saw Fred Hoyt beat Lauri B. Hebert 68% to 32%.
The 27th Senate District saw Willie Landry Mount with his 80% vote total won a first primary victory over Anita Fields (15%) and Thimothy "Thimco" Francis, Sr. with 5%.
In the 29th District, Joe McPherson beat the other two with a 51% of the vote. Thus, no second primary. Randy Wiggins had 45% and Jerry M. Guillory got 4%.
The 31st District: Kenneth M. "Mike" Smith collected 68% from district voters, while James Haley lost with 32%.
69% of the 32nd District's voters voted for Noble Ellington. 31% for Larry Minton.
33rd District voters voted overwhelmingly for Robert J. Barham (91%) over Colvin L. Wines and his 9%.
In the 35th Senatorial District, Bill Jones (56%) won a first primary victory. Next came Tim Johnson with 27% and Bobby Dowling with 18%.
The 36th Senatorial District saw Foster L. Campbell, Jr. win with 75% of the vote. Russ McInnis collected 25%.
The 37th Senate District: Max T. Malone will share a runoff spot with Donald "Don" M. Pierson, Jr. (32%).
The 38th Senate District saw "Ron" Bean get 71% and "Dan" Perkins get 29%.
5/28/97 - Senate Bill 1435 by Sen. B.G. Dyess of Alexandria provides raises for seven Orleans Parish Assessors of $15,000, depending on population. It cleared the Senate 28-4 and the House Ways and Means Committee 10-0. It will all be paid for at the local level- not the state level.
Times-Picayune reports that Sen. Lynn Dean wants to donate a swimming pool to Belle Chasse High School in Plaquemines parish, much like the one he gave to St. Bernard. The school superintendent sounded excited. Will he get the same hassles as he did in St. Bernard?
Times-Picayune, 11/9/99, reports that Sen. Lynn Dean wants to give the land which houses a blighted apartment complex to the parish of St. Bernard to use as green space. I wonder if he'll get the same treatment as he did before with the pool. Is the parish that ungrateful. Can't they pay for removing the slab? What's with the government there? Are any other officials giving land away? Nope? Then help him with the financial aspects! Sen. Dean, give your gifts to someone who's appreciative. I'm sure someone will appreciate your free land. And, so what about the tax write-off.
Times-Picayune, 11/6/99, reports that Sen. Greg Tarver, whose house burned down this weekend, lost his bid to dismiss his indictment.
11/14/99: In an ad in the Times-Picayune, Diana Dysart writes the she's, "The Education Candidate". Interesting. Does she know that it's easy to write this, especially since everyone else is already on the bandwagon? It's fashionable. Very fashionable. Know of any candidate who's not an education candidate?

11/17/99 - Glenn E. Diaz writes in The St. Bernard News that we should elect Diana Dysart (a trial lawyer) to the State Senate from District 1. I know Glenn E. Diaz from Nicholls High School (Spanish class - Mrs. Guas) and I can tell you stories about him. He's a friend for almost thirty years. He writes in the weekly newspaper about how trial lawyers can collect their thirty percent if potential clients know their rights. His articles always end in italics asking readers to call him if they like his piece, or if they have any questions regarding the law. Convenient, huh? Does he pay for this column, or does he push it off as a public service? Diaz also claims it's no 'big deal' if Dean is supported by Gov. Foster? Well, he's wrong. Foster won by a solid mandate from the people of 62%. That's no big deal? Come on Glenn...go back to writing your boring columns that solicit clients. Hmmm, I wonder if soliciting clients this way is ethical?

As you can see, there's a lot of races without commentary. Well, I just don't have much on these candidates.

12/30/99 - The following Senatorial candidates were elected: 1st district- Dean with 18,005 votes, 2nd district - Jon Johnson with 54% of the vote, 17th district - Marionneaux with 51%, 37th district - Max T. Malone with 51% of the vote. Congratulations to the winners. May you all honor and obey the oath you'll take for your entire term.

March/April 2000 - Two State Senators lost their temper in the recent special session of the legislature. Senator Lynn Dean and Tom Schedler of Slidell got emotionally charged with each other. No real harm done...... Seems like a lot of senators are agitated with Dean's penny pinching ways.
1/20/00 - A special commission will look into the pay of statewide elected officials. This includes an examination of Senators' pay. Even all the way up to the governor and down.

April 2000 - House Bill 30 by Rep. Montgomery revised a 1999 law that allowed salary studies of lawmakers. Haven't state leaders argued that we are in the "red"?

5/20/00 - Sen. Greg Tarver's legal bills will be reimbursed for his acquittal of criminal charges in the conspiracy trial of former Gov. Edwin Edwards. The House voted to do so. Total $480,000. Now is that fair to the poor person? As more and more are being released justifiably, why aren't they provided legal assistance too? Are government officials special?

6/14/00 - Lynn Dean of Caernarvon and Willie Mount of Lake Charles have decided that since the Senate did not get its work done in entirety, they would not accept their pay during the special session. Other are thinking about it, but these public servants are doing it. Sen. Ken Hollis says he's thinking about it. Sen. John Hainkel says some senators cannot leave a business behind without payment. Edwin Murray says its ludicrous. Foster Campbell want Exxon to pay for it. Crying foul, Campbell also says the riverboats and "the beer people" should put up.

8/23/00 - Ken Hollis, Metairie Republican State Senator, was named Legislator of the Year by the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce.

3/13/02 - Former State Senator Larry Bankston has been disbarred from practicing law in Louisiana. Bankston was convicted of bribery in a video poker scandal.

12/18/02 - State Representative John Alario (Alario Center), one of the most powerful men in the state is embroiled in a controversy involving his son. Seems his son Johnny tried to get around state laws and buy $2,000 in office furniture in his position with a state agency. Also, Civil Service records say he resigned from an earlier position after he was accused, but never charged, with taking industry money collected by his employer- the State Motor Vehicle Commission. Wouldn't the ordinary citizen be defending himself in Criminal Courts? Although the money was repaid, how many criminals incarcerated have gotten the chance to repay money they took illegally? Stinks, huh? Governor Foster reportedly says he deserves a second chance and should not be forced out. Now you know how influential the senior Alario is.

1/17/04 - Senator Sherri Cheek of Shreveport says she now realizes it was a mistake to ask the State Police to deliver Super Bowl tickets for her. She now says she wants to pay for the service.

State Senate's Home Page
State House of Representatives
The House races were surprising. Rep. Tommy Warner of Chalmette had no opposition as did a few others.
In the 2nd District five challengers fought it out. Two made it to the runoff. Top collector was Lydia got 38% Lydia got 38%. Next came Bradford with Bradford with 34%. Losers included: Michael D. Williams (19%), "Bubba" Williams (6%), and Robert E. Hayden (4%).

In the 3rd District Ernest Baylor, Jr. beat Mark Bolding, 89 to 11 percent.

The 11th District, Pinkie Carolyn Wilkerson beat Douglas R. Sapp, 80 to 20 percent.

The 15th District saw "Mike" Walsworth beat Royce Calhoun 67% to 33%.

In the 16th District, Kay Kellogg Katz collected 6039 votes to get into a runoff. Her opponent will be "Tony" Cain who got 3010 votes. "Dan" Street got 2944 votes. Cain and Street both got 24%, but Cain had more votes. So, he is in the runoff against Katz's 49%.
In the 16th District unexpired term's race, Kay Kellog Katz won outright with 52% of the vote. The losers were Cain (22%) and Street (27%). Same candidates, except Katz won outright this time.
5/28/97 - Rep. Joseph Toomy's Bill 1118 wants to give the clerk of the Criminal District Court and the Civil District clerk a raise---one $20,000 and the other $40,000. Wow!
9/15/00 - Former Rep. Tommy Warner resigned his house seat to accept the chancellor's position at Nunez Community College. Warner, who has a doctorate in education, resigned immediately at the request of the state agency in charge. Councilman Joey DiFatta, Councilwoman Nita Hutter and lawyer John Finckbeiner, Jr. have expressed an interest to run for his seat.
10/25/00 - Four candidates are running for the 104th House seat, including one who is the son of a former police juror in St. Bernard AND who benefited from his father's contacts with Sammy Nunez and Tommy Warner - both former state public officials. Lance Licciardi, a Democrat, went to Tulane University on a Tulane legislative scholarship. If you remember, this was very controversial when it happened as many politicians paid off their debts with these scholarships. And, the ordinary college hopeful who could have been helped had to stay home because of financial reasons. Hmmm!
John Finckbeiner, Jr. is another candidate for the 104th seat. He's aligned with Sanborn and the Dysarts in employment and contacts. Nita Rusich Hutter is the third candidate. She's currently a councilwoman and is endorsed by the Alliance for Good Government (big deal?) Last, but not least, is Joseph Thibodeaux, an operator at Murphy Oil and partner with his wife in a dance studio. If he wins, and the Saints make it to the Super Bowl, will he dance in tights with Diliberto?
If you look at their political statements, you'll see they are pretty much the same. So, who do you vote for? If you don't like lawyers, three out of four are attorneys? One, went to a very prestigious private college because his daddy knew a couple of politicians. Leave this one out and it's a pick-it!!
10/30/00 - The Times Picayune came out today in support of Nita Hutter for the 104th seat in the State House of Representatives, a seat formerly held by Dr. Thomas Warner. It said her assets are what's valuable. What are they? She was a teacher and she's now councilperson.
10/31/00 - Joseph Thibodeaux, a candidate for the 104th district state house seat, has reportedly filled in a summary page in his campaign report. Apparently, the state will let him know that he must fill it in right.
11/4/00 - It's been understood that to get favorable decisions from a judge (lawyers) more often than not, you must give to a judge's (lawyer's) campaign. This goes for current judges (lawyers)and future ones. Well, in looking at the candidates for the 104th seat, the two lawyers (Finckbeiner and Licciardi) have received contributions from the following supporters. Keep in mind that one day either, or both, or these two may become judges.
11/4/00 - Now that Cynthia Willard-Lewis has vacated her seat in the House, several individuals are reported considering a run for the seat. One is computer consultant Terrie Guerin. Others are: Joseph Aidoo, a businessman, David Bell, former vice president of the New Orleans Business and Industrial District, Sherman Copelin, the former representative from the 99th District and convicted bribe-taker (Family Health Foundation/$5,000 in the Saxony Restaurant), Michael Darnell, Walter Willard, Cynthia's brother, Dr. Mark McKenna, George Robinson, former city planning commissioner, and Pat Swilling, the newest inductee of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. Qualifying is January 3rd and 4th with a runoff set for March 17, 2001.
11/8/00 - Councilwoman Nita Rusich Hutter and Tulane scholarship recipient Lance Licciardi won runoff spots in a December 9th square-off. Hutter, a current Councilwoman got 35% of the vote while Licciardi, the son of a former Police Jury member, collected 31%. Finckbeiner, an attorney, and all his spending, got 24%. Sure had a lot of yard signs - especially along Plaza Drive in Chalmette. Joe Thibodeaux (and lovely wife Sharon) got 10%. In the School Board race, Lynette DiFatta, sister-in-law of Councilman Joe DiFatta won outright with 52% of the vote. Her opponent, a hand- picked candidate lost. She is a juvenile probation officer who garnered a lot of support from the political establishment. Goes to show you, entrenched political machinery support does not always help. P:LS supported DiFatta.
11/8/00 - All incumbents were returned to theiir federal seats comfortably.
12/10/00 - Nita Hutter beat Lance Licciardi by 89 votes. The local paper, in response to the Presidential controversy, reports that the certification of the votes will be Tuesday at 9:00 am. the totals were: 4,955 to 3,966. Seems like the right outcome. Remember Licciardi received two years of Tulane scholarship money and is the son of former police juror James Licciardi and grandson of another former police juror, James Licciardi also.
1/23/01- Well what do you know? The legislature wants to give themselves a $19,000 raise. And, give the governor a top salary of $150,933. Third highest in the nation. Foster's not saying anything. He supposedly hasn't accepted one penny of his salary so far. Well, well... What's a Compensation Review Commission? Is it just to look at the salaries of the state's leaders...or does it also look at the rank and file employees?
2/18/01 - Former Saints linebacker, Pat Swilling and Terrie Carrie Guerin finished one and two in the race, yesterday, for the District 100 State House seat. Swilling drew 42% while Guerin got 26 percent. This site supported Swilling, who appears to be an honest and willing public servant. In the 86th District seat, Jim Tucker and Robert Evans will meet in a runoff March 17th. No endorsement was given to any candidates in the 86th race.
5/8/01 - The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill to give state judges a fifteen percent raise. Wow!
11/25/01 - Tom Capella beat three others including Dianna Dyer, for the 88th District seat vacated by James Donelon Saturday. Other than he and Dyer, Scott Masson and Deborah Ryan vied.
1/5/02 - Steve Scalise has been chosen Man of the Year by the Bayou chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors for his attempt to pass legislation favorable to their cause. Is this really a truly objective award? One worthwhile?

4/10/03 - The son of state Rep. John Alario has just gotten a newly created position that pays better than his old job, a state position. This despite the son being accused of impropriety with an earlier position at the Used Motor Vehicle Commission. He, supposedly, took money there and repaid it. No charges were ever filed. Now, he's got another state job.

9/4/03 - Apparently Fairgrounds owners and State Rep. Dewitt think it's okay to help an elected official get started in the racing business. Fairgrounds owners gave Dewitt two race horses to get started - a good deed? Or is it a thank you for the support Dewitt has given the track over the years?

1/21/05 - Seems like some lawmakers are not satisfied with the free tickets they get to the Saints games, or Hornets games. Rep. Charles Lancaster says that the $100 limit should be raised because they can't get good seats!! Rep. Billy Montgomery a Democrat from Haughton, too! Boy, do these guys need to be defeated...

Several scenes are pictured here: New Orleans street car, plantation home, horses in a pasture, French Quarter street and a trombonist.

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Education works!

2nd District: unofficial results show Keith T. Johnson with 75% of the vote. Loser was Glenn Wilson with, obviously 25%. Mr. Johnson is the incumbent.

3rd District: unofficial results show Glenny Lee Buquet the winner with 58% of the popular vote. Challenger Perry Walker Terrebonne is out the state entry fee with 42%. Buquet is the incumbent.

6th District: unofficial votes show a runoff between Richard Musemeche (39%) and Elizabeth Dent (36%). The loser is Joseph A. Blanchard with 26%. Mr. Blanchard's loyal supporters could help either candidate to win - if they're true loyalists. Dr. Musemeche is the incumbent.

12/30/99 - Musemeche got 48,974, or 51%, and Dent lost with 47,172 votes.

7th District: in unofficial totals: Dale Bayard collected 86,306, or 59% of the tally. Loser, Alexandra "Sandie" MacKnight - 41%. Dr. John Bertrand did not seek re-election.

8th District: Ms. Linda M. Johnson, the incumbent, earned support from 52% of the voting electorate. No runoff with 50% +1 vote. Donald Hunter, the loser, got 45,708 or 32% of the voting public.

7/24.02 - The school performance levels are about to be revised upwards. Academically unacceptably performing schools which were rated at 30 would now be rated unacceptable at 45. We like this proposal.

Supreme Court Judges

8/5/00 - Supreme Court Justice Bernette Johnson announced her bid to seek reelection on the high court. Flanked by several elected officials and supporters, Johnson announced to the crowd of well-wishers that wanted to carry her passion, "fundamental fairness" into another her next sitting.

8/19/00 - Justice Bernette Johnson qualified to run again for the state Supreme Court from the 7th District.

9/29/01 - In the race for the 6th District seat on the state's Supreme Court four candidates have raised about $1 million. Judge Mary Hotard Becnel has spent more than three times as much as the others. As usual, the contributions listed in the local newspaper in New Orleans include quite a few $5,000 contributions from attorneys. Think they'll get any favorable judgments in front of the winner?

11/8/01 - Candidate Mary Hotard Becnel is spending a fortune of her own money, while the other candidate seeks campaign contributions. Twenty-two times as much as her three opponents in the primary. Her own money... Even more than both gubernatorial candidates in the 1999 race! Wow, I should have gone to law school instead of graduate school. For this reason, this web site supported her in the primary and continues to support her in the runoff. With her own money, Becnel owes no one a favor. As of 9/30, Becnel has spent $540,000 while her opponent in the runoff, Weimer has spent $53,000. Other candidates in the primary: David Gorbaty and Paul deMahy also never came close to that amount.

11/18/01 - John L. Weimer beat Mary Hotard Becnel for the 6th District Supreme Court seat 51 to 49%. Both were good candidates. This endeavor supported Becnel because she spent her own money and because a woman's perspective is needed on the court - too bad she didn't win. But, Weimer will be a good judge, we're sure.

State Appeals Court & Other Judges

Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines

8/19/00 - The following candidates filed their papers to run for the 1st District seats available. For Division D, Morris Reed and Max N. Tobias qualified. For Division E, Terri Love qualified by herself. For District F, Pattie Murray qualified by herself. For District G, Joan Armstrong (incumbent), and Ethel Simms Julien qualified. For the 2nd District seat in Division A, Michael Kirby qualified by himself

State district court judge David Gorbaty was elected to the state appellate court for the 4th Circuit Court seat without opposition. Gorbaty, who has held the district seat for years, was elected to a 10-year term on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals when no one decided to challenge him. Usually when this happens, area judges enter into an agreement to swap support in later races. Nothing at all illegal about this, but the real choices of the individual judges are sometimes overlooked for the contest.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeal saw: Robert Garrity Jr. challenge Sol Gothard, the incumbent for Division B of the 1st District. For Division F of the same District, Walter Rothschild qualified by himself. The 2nd District saw Thomas Daley qualify with no challengers.

4th Circuit Judge William Byrnes, the incumbent, got no opposition when qualifying closed yesterday for an at-large position.

10/15/01 - 4th Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Charles R. Jones went before the highest court of the state accused of cursing and scuffling with a fellow judge at the appeal's court's New Orleans headquarters this year. It happened on Jan. 31st. Recommendations from a nine-member group of lawyers include: suspension without pay for 90 days, reimbursement of $4,772 for cost of the probe. They concluded by saying that his actions disgraced the judiciary.

11/29/01 - Judge Charles R. Jones has been suspended for one month without pay for getting into a shoving match with fellow Judge Steven Plotkin. Both landed on the floor. Plotkin sustained a bloody nose. But, one month without pay is disgraceful! Other attorneys are saying that the penalty was appropriate, but we don't agree. Apparently Jones was found at fault. Even pro football players are fined more. For a judge of one of the state's highest courts to get this kind of consequence is a disgrace when he must set an example of peace and justice. And, at his salary, one month's pay makes for a minimal lesson to learn. He also must pay for the investigation - $4,772. Makes the penalty a little more justifiable. Another thing, several lawyers held a fund-raiser at the office of Allen Usry to help Jones pay the fine. And they wonder why all the lawyer jokes surface...

5/30/03 - Judge Charles Elloie's recent decision to alter a bond for a murder suspect has resulted in the death of another person. It seems Elwood Pleasant, who was charged with with the death of John Robinson first is now charged with killing Gladys Dyson, an innocent bystander. How could Elloie justify this to the second victim's family? This is most unfortunate and calls for the resignation of such an incompetent member of the judiciary. Resign now!

6/14/03 - Apparently Civil District Judge C. Hunter King wants to suggest his own penalty to the state supreme court. It seems King threatened employees with their jobs if they didn't sell tickets for his fundraisers. He reportedly even lied when questioned initially. He even stated he sold tickets at a funeral! And, this is a judge?

1/9/05 - Criminal Court Judge Charles Elloie is continuing to ignore the interest of the public. Elloie granted 4,350 paroles in 2004 to all kinds of criminals, including those committing violent crimes. One even killed after he got out. The nearest number granted was 797 by Municipal Judge Paul Sens

Worth Noting

7/3/04 - Forty-nine legislators, or their spouses, have earned money in business dealings with state or local governments this past year, according to disclosure forms just issued. From a few hundred dollars to almost $1 million!! Rep. Glenn Ansardi from Kenner, $519,348. Another deal brought in $55,135! Rep. Danny Martiny from Kenner - $133,709! Rep. Toomy's wife - $205,467! Rep. Hammett from Ferriday - $992,450! through 14 separate contracts! Sen, Adley from Benton - $246,061. Sen McPherson, nursing home owner, omitted any amounts - but said he never lets his business interfere with his voting choices! Shouldn't all this be illegal?

11/23/04 - Information is slowly coming out since the recent Public Service Commission November 2nd runoff that the individual Lambert Bossiere was investigating for wrongdoing was none other than himself. Bossiere, who had refused to divulge the identity of the culprit, succeeded in hiding his identity from his opponent, Cleo Fields. It seemed Lambert advanced himself about $40,000! How insulting! This was despite the fact that Bossiere ran the famous Fields - Edwards video that showed Cleo taking money from the ex-Governor. Fields now says that, as far as he's concerned, the matter's over with. Yet, here we are again...the snookered public. Can't anything be done about this?

7/16/05 - Elected officials from all over the state are going to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa to attend the National Association of Counties conference. St. Charles has sent the largest delegation, but other areas are paying for their elected officials to go to the expensive paradise for this meeting. St. John the Baptist, New Orleans' City Council chief of staff, St Bernard Parish is sending people. One parish expects to pay $46,000 in registration, airfare and hotel accommodations! The conference last year was held in Phoenix and was well attended and paid for with taxpayer money. Now, what could someone learn there that they don't already know?

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This site is dedicated to my friend Steve Miller, no not the singer or the Grace King teacher.