Allan Katz and Danae Columbus
Congressman Bill Cassidy’s strong win against Sen. Mary Landrieu last week and Sen. David Vitter’s role as chief strategist has set up a powerful Cassidy/Vitter connection that will put an imprint on Louisiana for years to come. Together they will also be a powerful force in Washington as Vitter uses his clout in the Republican Party to help better position Cassidy, who could quickly find himself Louisiana’s senior senator if Vitter becomes our next governor.
Cassidy along with five other Republican Senate freshmen arrives ahead of the curve, having learned the legislative ropes in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lobbyists consider Cassidy’s election “the icing on the cake.” Look for Cassidy to quickly dig into issues like health care to develop better public policy that matches his philosophy.
Even though many metro New Orleans business leaders hedged their bets and supported Landrieu, in Cassidy’s victory Louisiana businesses gained a committed, free-market advocate who will have their best interests at heart. Many energy-related businesses like Exxon, BP, Chevron, Conoco Phillips, and their industry associations gave heavily to Landrieu and will now saddle up with Cassidy to ensure passage of Keystone, natural-gas exports, and expanded drilling.
Vitter cleared the Republican field for Cassidy. Perhaps Cassidy will do the same for Vitter in the governor’s race and at least eliminate a few potential competitors. Though the state Democratic party won the race for mayor in Shreveport, Rep. John B. Edwards – the only announced Democrat in the race – will have a tough time raising enough money to really compete against Vitter.
The Democratic Party nationally abandoned Landrieu, as our good friend Bill Kearney reminded us this week. That action might have been because the party is deeply in debt, $20.4 Million, according to the latest figures. Either way the Democrats need to rethink their strategies and policies based on the new reality. They haven’t done a good job of speaking for middle class voters.
TIME called Landrieu’s loss “a harsh milestone for Southern Democrats.” The only bloc of voters who are truly committed to the Democratic party are African-Americans. Yet, Democratic party leadership has often refused to solidly defend the issues important to them. Will more African-American voters, especially middle class African-Americans, become Republicans too?
HILLARY CLINTON’S PATH TO THE PRESIDENCY MUCH MORE DIFFICULT NOW
Even though Clinton will try to use the Democrats’ loss of clout nationally as a rallying cry, it might not work well. The Republican Party’s most influential donors are already trying to narrow the field of contenders to who they consider the top three – Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida and Mitt Romney. While some of their motivation could be financial, others feel that a long, contentious Republican primary process would just give Clinton more opportunity to build her base. Without some real soul searching and strategic changes, Clinton’s message might not resonate with enough voters.
A new New York Times poll released today said that many people feel the American Dream is out of reach, despite an improved economy and jobs picture. Only 64 percent of respondents still believe the American Dream is achievable, the lowest result in almost two decades. These numbers don’t bode well for Republican presidential candidates either. Perhaps our elected officials need to spend more time listening to voters and creating legislation they want, rather than vice versa.
STATE TREASURER JOHN KENNEDY, OTHERS EYING AG RACE; WHERE IS WALT LEGER?
Today’s news out of Baton Rouge is that State Treasurer John Kennedy, with a $3.5 Million campaign war chest, is seriously considering a race for Attorney General, his dream job – if he could not be governor, that is. Also contemplating the race against current AG Buddy Caldwell is former Congressman Jeff Landry. We’ve been hoping that New Orleans own State Rep. Walt Leger III was going to make the race. Walt is a bright young star that would serve our state well. Leger and Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden, who just announced his candidacy for Lt. Governor, would test whether a Democrat is still electable state-wide.
Allan Katz spent 25 years as a political reporter and columnist at The Times-Picayune, and is now editor of the Kenner Star and host of several television programs, including the Louisiana Newsmaker on Cox Cable. Danae Columbus is executive producer of Louisiana Newsmaker, and has had a 30-year career in public relations, including stints at City Hall and the Dock Board. They both currently work for the Orleans Parish School Board. Among the recent candidates who have been represented by their public relations firm are City council members Stacy Head and Jared Brossett, Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, former Sheriff Charles Foti and former Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell.
Vitter & Cassidy present an embarrassing & disturbing team of Senators for our state. What a horror show.
I do believe you two have had an epiphany. Good article, enjoyed it.
Just think of it; Jindal in the White house, Vitter in the Governors Mansion and Cassidy in the Senate! Talk about an unholy Trinity! Healthcare funding? Gone. Education funding? Gone. Environmental and safety standards for petro-chemical industry? Gone. Fiscally responsible budgeting strategy? Already long gone. And a third political party that’s even worse than the existing two? Oh boy, I can’t wait.