Allan Katz and Danae Columbus: Could Andy Kopplin be preparing to carry the Landrieu torch?

Allan Katz and Danae Columbus

Mayor Landrieu could be encouraging his CAO Andy Kopplin to enter the At-Large Council race against Stacy Head in order to preserve his legacy when the Mayor runs for Governor, according to the hottest rumor circulating among politicos lately — and the theory may make some sense.

Like sister Mary before him, Mitch Landrieu has had his eyes on the governor’s mansion. Like his father, Mitch could have a relatively easy re-election. Mitch could enter the governor’s race in 2015 and find it is too difficult to serve as mayor and travel the state as a gubernatorial candidate at the same time. He just might have to resign and an At-Large Councilmember (presumably the one with the most seniority) would step in as interim mayor. If that interim mayor was not a fan of Landrieu’s policies, he or she could undo them — and the Landrieu legacy — real fast. That’s why Landrieu-ites are whispering that Kopplin could carry the torch this spring and beyond.

Even though Kopplin has not raised a penny, money would not be an object. The Landrieu fundraising machine, headed by the highly skilled and effective Ruth Kullman, has got a cell-phone list of heavy hitters to beat the band. Kopplin could have a hefty war chest in no time.

The rumor continues that Mayor Landrieu is also considering an endorsement of Sheriff Marlin Gusman, which — running as a well-coordinated tag team — could ensure African-American voters to both Mary and Mitch and white votes for Marlin.

If this idea is bothering Stacy Head, you would not know it. Stacy was feted with an extremely successful fundraiser Tuesday night at Ralph’s on the Park. The food and atmosphere was superb. Lots of people – black and white – were handing Anne Redd big fat checks, said to be way more than $100,000 in all. Not a bad haul for one evening! With money comes direct mail, TV commercials and more spin doctors.

Woman of both parties flock to Mary Landrieu luncheon
Nearly a thousand black, white, Asian and Hispanic women (and a few men too) representing all the traditional democratic institutions — and even some Republicans — turned out for Mary Landrieu’s political rally and luncheon last Friday. Mother Verna and the Landrieu women sold more than 30 tables all by themselves. Jackie Clarkson, Stacy Head and others helped introduce Mary. Hats off to Madelyn Schenk for another job well done.

Brossett announces for District D tonight at Dooky Chase
The very bright State Rep. Jared Brossett will be kicking off his campaign for Council District D tonight at 5 p.m. at the Dooky Chase Restaurant. Jared has been preparing for this election since before he even ran for the Legislature. Jared is the only announced candidate for the seat, which is being vacated by Cynthia Hedge Morrell, who is term limited and running At Large for Jackie Clarkson’s seat. Jared served at Hedge-Morrell’s Chief of Staff and also worked for Marlin Gusman. Expect Jared to announce several major endorsements tonight. He’ll lead the next generation of elected officials onto the City Hall scene.

Does Jackie Clarkson still want to serve? Cynthia Willard-Lewis “rested and ready”
We’ve also heard that several white business leaders have approached Jackie Clarkson about running for Sheriff. Although Jackie’s Chief of Staff said “no way,” Jackie has never turned down a race.

And at Mary Landrieu’s luncheon, Cynthia Willard-Lewis was saying she is “rested and ready” to qualify for City Council. Yes, we know that Cynthia endorsed sitting Councilmember James Gray not much more than a year ago. That was then; this is now. Cynthia is motivated by her family’s name, legacy and tradition of service started by her late father – teacher, coach and mentor “Doc” Willard.

Cedric Richmond shining before Congressional Black Caucus leaders
President Barak Obama isn’t the only Washington heavyweight in town today. Congressman Cedric Richmond is hosting a series of meetings, tours and social functions for the Congressional Black Caucus. Maxine Waters, Charlie Rangel, Benny Thompson and others are all here to tour the Port of New Orleans, visit Sterling Farms, and enjoy Ced’s hospitality at his beautiful home. Ced’s leadership role with the CBC clearly extends beyond the baseball field, where he is a star pitcher for the Democrats each year.

Only jobs and economic opportunities will reduce crime
We appreciate Mayor Landrieu and many of the City’s religious leaders signing a covenant against murder, racism and violence last night at Dillard University. Working together, our city’s future must get brighter. But we are not sure that piece of paper is going to stop even one murder. What many community-based leaders say will slow down the crime rate is jobs and economic opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed. Our young people must be educated and better trained for the new jobs in our economy. Now that would be some paper truly worth signing.

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 televsion 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 Councilwoman Stacy Head, Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne and council candidate Dana Kaplan.