Politico has this tidbit about Governor PBJ's public distancing from the Sinning Senator:
And in a sign that he is keeping a close eye on his own political standing, both in Baton Rouge and beyond, the governor pointedly declined to offer his endorsement of Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), who could face a serious reelection battle next year in the wake of his appearance on a Washington madam's client list and his subsequent admission of an undefined "very serious sin."
"We'll make a decision whether we'll get involved in that race once we get closer. We haven't made that decision yet," said Jindal, who has been cautious in the past about his endorsements. While allowing that Vitter was doing well in polls and fundraising, Jindal noted it's still "very early in that election cycle" and that many average voters aren't yet paying attention.
Cautious in his endorsements? Are ya kidding? Let's take a look at PBJ's greatest endorsement hits over the last year:
This morning in Baton Rouge, 68 of Louisiana's Mayors, Republicans and Democrats, came together to endorse our tenacious fighter in the Senate - Senator Mary Landrieu.
Republican Mayor Mayson Foster of Hammond introduced Senator Landrieu at the event today, saying:
"Sen. Landrieu has been a tireless and effective advocate for us since she was first sworn into the Senate almost twelve years ago," Mayor Foster said. "In Hammond, and in communities throughout Louisiana, we have seen the successful results of her leadership. Sen. Landrieu always puts Louisiana above political party, and she'll do what it takes to get the job done. Mary Landrieu fights for us, and she delivers for us. She has the Congressional seniority our State needs now more than ever."
If John Kennedy can't get the Republican Mayor of Hammond to back him, how in the world will he get the conservative voters of this state to back him? After all, Senator Landrieu's positions on social issues, some of which I disagree with, and some I agree with, are in line with the values of conservative Louisianans, as stated much more eloquently by Mayor Jacques Roy of Alexandria:
"Sen. Landrieu has exhibited courage and bipartisanship throughout her career and has a desirable propensity to work within the 'vital center' while maintaining adherence to Louisiana values on issues of ethics and morality. She makes us proud as our senior senator from Louisiana. That notion of seniority is paramount to consider at this time. Given the momentous changes in leadership in our delegation, seniority has never been more highlighted for the continued effectiveness of efforts on behalf of Louisianans."
You can see the entire list of Mayors endorsing Senator Landrieu below. But, first, a point to consider:
There are 64 parishes in Louisiana. Those 68 Mayors come from 39 of them. That means that more than half of Louisiana's Parishes have at least one Mayor endorsing Senator Landrieu at this stage of the campaign ... 3 days after it began.
On the heels of a pretty successful online fundraising drive to counter Mr. 28%'s $500,000 haul, Senator Mary Landrieu's campaign announces that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed ... her over her Republican opponent, John N. Kennedy.
From the press release sent out by the Landrieu campaign:
"At no other time in our nation's history has it been more critical that Members of Congress provide leadership that protects and advances the interests of the business community, "Thomas Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wrote in the Chamber's endorsement letter to Sen. Landrieu. "We believe that your election to the U.S. Senate will help produce sustained economic growth and promote America's competitiveness in world markets."
"I am honored to receive the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's endorsement," Sen. Landrieu said. "It affirms my fight for Louisiana jobs and a stronger economy. I look forward to working with Louisiana business people on a bipartisan basis to strengthen our state's business climate and to improve our educational system and infrastructure."
Can this year get any worse for John N. Kennedy. Oh yeah ... a nice ol' butt kickin' at the polls in November will do the trick. Oh, wait ... he has a primary.
I've just been informed that United Association (the umbrella union organization for plumbers and pipe fitters) has chosen to endorse Don Cazyoux in LA-06.
An official event for this should be taking place on next Saturday. Details to come...
UPDATE:Local 198 will be organizing a GOTV drive this Saturday, March 1 at 3 PM at their Union Hall, which is located at 5888 Airline Hwy in Baton Rouge.
This afternoon, the Louisiana AFL-CIO announced that it is backing State Rep. Don Cazayoux in his bid to replace outgoing Rep. Richard Baker, who is retiring to take a lobbying job with the Mutual Fund Association.
Regarding the endorsement, Louisiana AFL-CIO President Louis Reine stated:
"Based on his record of support for Louisiana's working families, the AFL-CIO is pleased to endorse Don Cazayoux for the sixth Congressional district race. We are confident Don will be a strong voice for working families in Washington."
This is just more good news for the Cazayoux campaign. Mr. Cazayoux will qualify for the special election tomorrow, and I hear that his campaign will be announcing a very impressive fundraising haul for this quarter, which for them, started a mere three weeks ago.
Governor: This is too easy. We've got a Fundamentalist Blowhard in Jindal, a rich businessman who thinks he can buy the Governor's chair in Georges, a DINO in Boasso, and a true progressive fighter in Campbell.
I appreciate that many folks are unconvinced by Campbell's tax plan, going so far as to say that Galveston and Mobile will take a lot of business away from Louisiana, but where's their proof? All of our nation's oil refineries are operating at 95% capacity. There's only so much the oil barons can divert to other refineries.
Here's what gets Campbell my vote, and my endorsement: He's been fighting for all Louisianans for the past 30 years. Here's just a sample of what he's done:
In the mid-1980s he created the Bossier Educational Excellence Fund for Bossier Parish schools from Louisiana Downs racetrack revenues; the BEEF now contains $12 million raised from racetrack and casino revenues. Using BEEF as a model, he created the $1-billion Louisiana Educational Excellence Fund for local schools from the state Tobacco Settlement.
In 2001 he coauthored the "Do Not Call" legislation protecting consumers from sales calls at home.
At the PSC Campbell has pushed to make utility companies and the commission more accountable to the people. He has led efforts to restrict entertainment of commissioners and staff by utilities. He hosts public meetings in each parish in his district each year, and persuaded the full commission to move its monthly meetings around the state.
In 2004 he made national and international news by leading the effort to provide telephone service for the Mink and Shaw communities, the last areas of Louisiana to receive telephones.
In 2005 he persuaded the Federal Communications Commission to set aside $39 million to provide free cellular phones to Hurricane Katrina evacuees. He has championed job-creation by utilities, efforts to make bill-paying more convenient and the use of renewable energy.
Lt. Governor: There's no question on this one - it's Mitch. He's done a great job for our state, and he deserves to be re-elected.
Attorney General: I'm tired of Foti. Royal's a Republican good ole boy. I'm backing Buddy Caldwell.
SD 14: I don't like how DeCuir's mail sounds like "Bobby's." Dorsey's another Cleo in the making, I think. And Schilling was put in the race to take votes from DeCuir. I'm still not sure who back in this one.
HD 67: I LOVE what I've heard and seen from David Brown - he's an environmental lawyer, and he'll bring some good progressive views into the State Senate. But I've watched Pat Smith on the School Board, and she's done some mighty fine work supporting the unionizing of teachers. I know Lorri Burgess is a City Councilmember that has done much to piss off many folks by the way she approaches her job. She definitely DOES NOT have my endorsement or vote. DKF supports both David Brown and Pat Smith.
I've just been informed that 
