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Apr 7, 2008 WAFB: Vitter May Be Called to Testify in Prostitution Case; Driver Backs into Sign in Gonzales GONZALES, La. - A driver for U.S. Senator David Vitter backed into a "no parking" sign as he tried to scurry the Senator away from reporters in Gonzales, Louisiana Monday morning. Reporters wanted to question Vitter further about the possibility that he will be called as a witness in the trial... Louisiana Democratic Party more
Mar 30, 2008 Times-Picayune: Landrieu gears up for GOP challenge By Stephanie Grace Sometimes elections touted as cliffhangers live up to their billing. Sometimes, they don't. One race that could go either way is the reelection bid of U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, tagged by national analysts as the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent in what's expected to... Times Picayune more
Mar 16, 2008 Advocate: Democrats Choose Chief BATON ROUGE- Baton Rouge lawyer Chris Whittington won re-election Saturday as Louisiana Democratic Party chairman, warding off a challenge from some political heavyweights unhappy with party showings in recent elections. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Feb 9, 2008 Times Picayune: Obama wins Louisiana Democratic Primary BATON ROUGE -- Illinois Sen. Barack Obama launched another surge in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination Saturday, defeating New York Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Louisiana primary after caucus victories in Nebraska and Washington state earlier in the day. more
Jan 27, 2008 The Advocate: ’Fessing up, but a bit late Bobby Jindal’s campaign gets points for ’fessing up, but the ethics penalty to be assessed on the campaign isn’t for a small and highly technical issue of campaign reporting. The campaign did not properly report expenditures on its behalf made by the Republican Party of Louisiana. The issue of... Louisiana Democratic Party more
Nov 18, 2007 AP: Democrats maintain control of the state House BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Democrats maintained their hold on the state House of Representatives, with Saturday's runoff elections giving them the slimmest of majorities: 53 seats in the 105-member chamber. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Nov 18, 2007 AP: DEMOCRAT 'BUDDY' CALDWELL IS LOUISIANA'S NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL BATON ROUGE -- Louisianians elected Democrat James "Buddy" Caldwell as the state's attorney general Saturday, giving the veteran district attorney from Tallulah an overwhelming runoff victory over Republican Royal Alexander in a race that seemed to lose steam once voters had dispatched... Louisiana Democratic Party more
Oct 31, 2007 The Advocate: Moreau endorses Caldwell in AG race Democrat attorney general candidate Buddy Caldwell on Tuesday picked up the endorsement of Republican District Attorney Doug Moreau. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Oct 26, 2007 AP: Caldwell Wins Backing from Teacher Union, Sheriff's Association BATON ROUGE (AP) — Louisiana attorney general candidate James "Buddy" Caldwell has picked up one endorsement from a teachers union and another from a law-enforcement group. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Oct 24, 2007 Times-Picayune: Alexander Optimistic, but Odds Favor Caldwell BATON ROUGE -- Republican attorney general hopeful Royal Alexander says that a runoff gives him new life in his first run for public office, but returns from Saturday's primary suggest he'll have to overcome an electoral landscape already tilted in favor of Democrat James "Buddy" Caldwell. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Oct 25, 2007 The Advocate: Walter Boasso known as hard worker The fact that state Sen. Walter Boasso launched his container cleaning company with a garden hose and a box of Tide appealed to former legislator Armand Brinkhaus. “I thought that’s no false pride,” Brinkhaus said of deciding to send a campaign contribution to Boasso after watching his... The Advocate more
Sep 24, 2007 The Advocate: Campbell has tenacious, straight-spoken approach Friend and foe alike say Foster Campbell has a blunt manner and a bulldog mentality. “He don’t back up,” said R.D. Elston, an 86-year-old farmer who has known Campbell for nearly three decades. “When he believes it, he believes it. He puts it on the table.” Nowhere is that more evident... The Advocate more
Nov 29, 2006 Playing the Race Card With a newfound pocket of African-American voters in north Louisiana, Democrats could be in better shape than they thought over the next two years. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Nov 9, 2006 Head of Democratic Party says new Congress will be good for state The head of the state Democratic Party says a Democratic-controlled Congress will be good for Louisiana. Baton Rouge attorney Chris Whittington made the comments on Tuesday's national congressional elections in a telephone interview Wednesday with the American Press. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Nov 8, 2006 Democrats win House, promise new direction Democrats promised Wednesday to lead the country in a new direction after winning control of the House for the first time in 12 years in midterm elections. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Oct 4, 2006 Big ideas, small budget: Stagg runs for District 7 Without the financial support of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Mike Stagg, Democratic candidate for the District 7 U.S. representative seat, is vying against incumbent U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany Jr. on a platform that includes health-care overhauls, a nationwide minimum wage... Louisiana Democratic Party more
Oct 9, 2006 Charlie Melancon: Tackles tough tests in 1st term Not 48 hours after he stood on the House floor to be sworn in to the 3rd Congressional District office, Rep. Charlie Melancon got word from half a world away of a tragedy that would reverberate in the swath of southeast Louisiana he now represented. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Oct 15, 2006 Romero's election prospects dimming As political fortunes go, Republican Craig Romero's peaked nearly two years ago, when he came within striking distance of a coveted seat in Congress. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Oct 13, 2006 7th District campaign revs up Don Cravins Sr., a Democratic state senator and mayor-elect of Opelousas, said Thursday that he would not call the Nov. 7 race for Louisiana’s 7th District congressional seat competitive at this point — but that could change soon. Louisiana Democratic Party more
Sep 7, 2006 Melancon campaign releases poll showing wide lead NAPOLEONVILLE -- Poll numbers for the ongoing 3rd Congressional District race were released this week by the campaign of incumbent U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville. Not surprisingly, the survey awarded Melancon a 32-point lead over his main challenger, Republican state Sen. Craig... Louisiana Democratic Party more
Sep 3, 2006 Francis Heitmeier: Democrat and Proud State Sen. Francis Heitmeier of Algiers is an unapologetic Democratic politician. He got involved in politics at an early age. At 56, the New Orleans native has been part of elections as far back as he can remember. The Advocate more
Aug 31, 2006 National Demos promise fast aid for La. Bills to help Katrina-stricken Gulf Coast residents by streamlining the insurance-claims process, making more affordable housing available, restoring coastal wetlands and giving states a bigger share of royalties on oil and gas produced off their coastlines will be among the first measures to be... Times-Picayune more
Jul 30, 2006 Governor tells party she will seek a second term BATON ROUGE -- Gov. Kathleen Blanco told officials of the state Democratic Party on Saturday she will seek a second term as governor next year so she can continue to oversee the rebuilding of the hurricane-ravaged state. "I am not going to quit; I am going to lead the battle," Blanco said at... Times-Picayune more
Feb 1, 2006 Message from the Chairman Dear Fellow Democrats,
I am writing today to introduce myself as the new Chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, and to start a conversation with you and every Democrat across our great state about the future of our Party. more...
Jan 30, 2006 Times-Picayune: Demos' prospects rosy, Blanco says BATON ROUGE -- The Republican White House is playing "raw politics" with Louisiana in handling requests for federal hurricane recovery money, a strategy that could bolster Democrats' chances of winning elections later this year and beyond, Gov. Kathleen Blanco told a partisan crowd of Democrats... Times-Picayune more
Jan 28, 2006 AP: Louisiana's Democrats try to refocus BATON ROUGE-- Even before Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana Democratic Party was struggling in a conservative state skewing more Republican in its voting tendencies. Voters overwhelmingly backed President Bush for re-election in 2004 and selected their first Republican U.S. senator since... AP more
Jan 24, 2006 Times-Picayune: Recovery panel boasts diverse membership BATON ROUGE -- The members of the Louisiana Recovery Authority include prominent community leaders from all over the state, although the majority hail from the southern half of the state devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Times-Picayune more
Jan 24, 2006 Times-Picayune: October primary for Congress tossed BATON ROUGE -- A law to return the state's congressional primaries to October is unconstitutional -- legislation based mostly on a "play on words" -- a federal judge ruled Monday. Times-Picayune more
Jan 24, 2006 Times-Picayune: Federal report predicted cataclysm WASHINGTON -- As Hurricane Katrina approached the Gulf Coast, President Bush's top disaster agency warned of the likelihood of levee breaches that could leave New Orleans submerged "for weeks or months," a communications blackout that would hamper rescue efforts and "at least 100,000... Times-Picayune more
Jan 22, 2006 Times-Picayune: Oblivious: Breezy Bush doesn't seem to get it So yes, it's great that the president is telling visitors that New Orleans is open for business. Doing more to help the city get there would provide a much, much bigger boost. Times-Picayune more
Jan 11, 2006 Associated Press: Nagin tells filmmakers the show must go on LOS ANGELES — New Orleans has a long way to go to recover from the damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina, but that shouldn’t scare Hollywood off from filming in the Big Easy. Associated Press more
Jan 11, 2006 Times-Picayune: In Congress, vast majority yet to see ruins WASHINGTON -- If seeing is believing, New Orleans' leaders may still have some work to do in convincing members of Congress about the level of damage the city suffered during Hurricane Katrina. Times-Picayune more
Jan 11, 2006 Times-Picayune: State tells N.O. to rework list of polling places BATON ROUGE -- A joint legislative committee Tuesday rejected an emergency plan to allow New Orleans elections to proceed, claiming some of the special polling places proposed would force voters to crisscross the city to cast ballots. Times-Picayune more
Jan 11, 2006 The Advocate: Dutch storm protection employs colossal gates THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS — About 50 local, state and federal Louisiana delegation members arrived in the Netherlands Tuesday for a three-day review of the country’s storm protection and water management systems. The Advocate more
Jan 10, 2006 The Advocate: Blanco showed she’s smart and tough (Letter to the Editor) Gov. Blanco, keep standing up for the people of Louisiana. The Advocate more
Jan 9, 2006 Associated Press: Louisiana delegation heading to Netherlands NEW ORLEANS -- Louisiana's governor, U.S. senators and more than 40 government, business and education leaders leave today for the Netherlands to study the flood control systems protecting a nation much farther below sea-level than New Orleans. Associated Press more
Jan 6, 2006 Times-Picayune: Blanco puts foot down about trailers Seeking to break what she called an unacceptable logjam, Gov. Kathleen Blanco proposed a kind of summit Thursday with city leaders at which they could resolve lingering issues that have held up the delivery and installation of travel trailers in New Orleans. Times-Picayune more
Jan 7, 2006 Times-Picayune: Housing fix on the way, officials say BATON ROUGE -- Gov. Kathleen Blanco said city and state officials feel they have identified sites for temporary housing in New Orleans for about 40,000 of the almost 47,000 families that have sought a place to live after being swept from New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. Times-Picayune more
Jan 7, 2006 Times-Picayune: U.S. OKs changes in La. election laws BATON ROUGE -- Elections law changes passed in last year's two legislative sessions have won approval from the U.S. Justice Department, including a measure to allow "early voting" and another that would punish voter registration drive organizers who do not turn over the names of the new voters to... Times-Picayune more
Jan 10, 2006 Times-Picayune: Ater wants to ease mail-voting rules BATON ROUGE -- Secretary of State Al Ater has asked Gov. Kathleen Blanco to include in a possible special session legislation that would allow hurricane-displaced New Orleans voters who registered by mail a one-time exemption from a law that requires them to cast their first vote in person. Times-Picayune more
Dec 21, 2005 Atlanta Journal Constitution: Category 5 speech; Category 1 action President Bush pledged a major post-Katrina rebuilding effort in a September speech in New Orleans. But the federal government's deeds don't yet match Bush's words. Atlanta Journal Constitution more
Dec 17, 2005 DNC Chairman Howard Dean delivers radio address To listen to the audio, click here . more...
Dec 14, 2005 Times-Picayune: Senator Landrieu: Are we alone on the road to recovery? (Editorial) The key question is: Will the president and Republican Congress allow us a fighting chance to reclaim our land, lives, and dreams? Or will they be guided instead by a blinding ideology that dismisses the role of government?" Times-Picayune more
Dec 8, 2005 Times-Picayune: Delay April election too, Blanco is urged BATON ROUGE -- Secretary of State Al Ater is urging Gov. Kathleen Blanco to scrub the April 29 statewide election on two constitutional amendments lawmakers passed in last month's special session, saying it will save the state about $2.8 million, some of which could be used to track down voters... Times-Picayune more
Dec 11, 2005 John DeRosier wins runoff for District Attorney Democrat John DeRosier beat opponent Rob McCorquodale in the runoff election for Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Saturday. Sulphur Daily News more
Dec 8, 2005 CNN: Dean says Democrats have plan Leading Democrats sought Thursday to promote a specific plan for what party chairman Howard Dean called a "strategic redeployment" of U.S. troops from Iraq. CNN more
Dec 6, 2005 The Advocate: Katrina fatigue cause for concern (editorial) We hope that there is a building backlash against Katrina fatigue, and that there will be pressure to show more significant results for the afflicted people of Louisiana. The Advocate more
Dec 3, 2005 Times-Picayune: Officials may stay on past normal 4 years New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, the entire City Council and a host of other local elected officials likely will remain in office beyond the four-year terms scheduled to end May 1, after Gov. Kathleen Blanco agreed Friday to postpone the city's Feb. 4 municipal elections. Times-Picayune more
Dec 3, 2005 The Advocate: New Orleans elections postponed Secretary of State Al Ater recommended postponing the New Orleans municipal elections scheduled for February 4, 2006. He cited that mechanical, logistical and financial problems stand in the way of elections for mayor, council, sheriffs, assessors and other local elected positions in... The Advocate more
Nov 23, 2005 The Advocate: Democratic legislator blasts Bush Democratic state Sen. Butch Gautreaux stepped on the State Senate floor Tuesday to deliver a rare partisan political speech blasting President Bush and the Republican Congress. The Advocate more
Nov 29, 2005 Times-Picayune: Don't forget our levees (Editorial) We need money to fix the levee system in time for next year's hurricane season, and we need a commitment to building a Category 5 system over the long term. Times-Picayune more
Nov 29, 2005 Times-Picayune: DNC to hold meeting in N.O. WASHINGTON -- The Democratic National Committee will hold its spring 2006 meeting in New Orleans, providing an economic boost of 400 visitors as the city continues its recovery from Hurricane Katrina, officials said Monday. Times-Picayune more
Nov 22, 2005 Washington Post: Bring Democracy to Congress (Op-Ed) Perhaps we should redeploy the democracy experts we have sent to the Middle East and ask them to work on our Congress. The past few days have confirmed that our national government is dysfunctional. Washington Post more
Nov 22, 2005 Times-Picayune: Emergency election plan goes to Senate BATON ROUGE -- The House decided Monday that the secretary of state must win approval of the full Legislature to put in motion emergency election plans during or immediately after a disaster declared by the governor. Times-Picayune more
Nov 22, 2005 Times-Picayune: Build Category 5 levees, senator says WASHINGTON -- Five days after meeting with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, the Senate's Democratic leader said Monday the party is committed to "rebuilding New Orleans and all of south Louisiana with stronger levee systems to protect against Category 5 hurricanes." Times-Picayune more
Nov 20, 2005 Times-Picayune: An Editorial: It's time for a nation to return the favor We need the federal government -- we need our Congress -- to fulfill the promises made to us in the past. We need to be safe. We need to be able to go about our business feeding and fueling the rest of the nation. We need better protection next hurricane season than we had this year. Times-Picayune more
Nov 20, 2005 Times-Picayune: New storm mandate has an old ring to it WASHINGTON -- Congress told the Army Corps of Engineers this month to figure out how best to protect south Louisiana from hurricanes more powerful than Katrina and Rita and report back in May. Times-Picayune more
Nov 19, 2005 Washington Post: Another Grand Jury for Leak Case The prosecutor in the CIA leak case said yesterday that he plans to present evidence to another federal grand jury, signaling a new and potentially significant turn in the investigation into the unmasking of CIA operative Valerie Plame. Washington Post more
Nov 19, 2005 Times-Picayune: A new beginning (Editorial) Orleans Parish schools could have limped along for years suffering from the bad management and lost opportunities of the past. Hurricane Katrina, in all its fury, changed their destiny. Times-Picayune more
Nov 19, 2005 The Advocate: Operation Hope to offer advice, grants Gov. Kathleen Blanco on Friday partnered with a firm that helps individuals facing debt collectors and foreclosures in the wake of major disasters. The Advocate more
Nov 15, 2005 Times-Picayune: Bill would make it easier for evacuees to cast ballots BATON ROUGE -- A Senate committee approved a proposal Monday that proponents say will make it easier for hurricane-displaced citizens to vote. Times-Picayune more
Nov 15, 2005 The Advocate: Bush's policies are not geared to help La. (Letter to the Editor) What have President Bush's policies done for Louisiana? Bush refused to budget U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requests needed for flood control. Bush cut rental subsidies. Bush rescinded the Davis-Bacon Act so that repair workers would not be paid a prevailing wage. The Advocate more
Nov 14, 2005 Shreveport Times: Abandon cuts to student loans (Editorial) Proposed cuts to student loans are a tiny part of the overall federal budget but a really big issue for the poor college student struggling to make ends meet and looking toward post-graduation expenses. Shreveport Times more
Nov 12, 2005 Times-Picayune: Vote of Confidence (Editorial) New Orleans has long been a contender for national political conventions; making the short list for both parties in recent years and hosting the 1988 convention that nominated the first President Bush. Times-Picayune more
Nov 14, 2005 The Advocate: Appreciates courage of Gov. Blanco (Letter to the Editor) God Bless the Blanco family, and we should all be thankful for their tremendous efforts. The Advocate more
Nov 14, 2005 CNN: Poll: Bush approval mark at all-time low (CNN) -- Beset with an unpopular war and an American public increasingly less trusting, President Bush faces the lowest approval rating of his presidency, according to a national poll released Monday. CNN more
Nov 4, 2005 CNN: 'Can I quit now?' FEMA chief wrote as Katrina raged; E-mails give insight into Brown's leadership, attitude WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Louisiana congressman says e-mails written by the government's emergency response chief as Hurricane Katrina raged show a lack of concern for the unfolding tragedy and a failure in leadership. CNN more
Nov 13, 2005 Washington Post: The Right Way in Iraq (Op-Ed) An op-ed by former Senator and 2004 Vice Presidental nominee John Edwards (D- NC) Washington Post more
Nov 9, 2005 TImes-Picayune: Some Demos touting N.O. for 2008 WASHINGTON -- A Maryland congressman is urging his fellow Democrats to hold the party's 2008 presidential nominating convention in New Orleans as a signal of national support for the city after its devastating losses from Hurricane Katrina. more
Nov 3, 2005 The Hill: The Democrats stand for change (Op-Ed) An op-ed by DCCC Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) The Hill more
Nov 12, 2005 Times-Picayune: Lawmakers urge citizens to push for protection Saying he feels like the tree in the forest that nobody heard fall, U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon told the Louisiana Recovery and Rebuilding Conference that it's time for residents to take their case to the steps of the U.S. Capitol and demand immediate action from President Bush and Congress. Times-Picayune more
Aug 14, 2005 Social Security Turns 70 (AP) Lawmakers and interest groups are gearing up for a fight this fall over Social Security, each side hoping to use the retirement and disability program's 70th birthday to build momentum. more
Aug 18, 2005 New secretary of state trying to get more 'voters' to vote By JOHN LaPLANTE jlaplante@theadvocate.com New Secretary of State Al Ater says too few people are voting, and he wants to know why. "The number of registered voters is going up, but the number of people voting is going down," Ater told the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday. A high... more
Aug 10, 2005 Blanco: Focus on issues will turn tide in La. Changes in juvenile justice, schools, jobs to help, she says By WILL SENTELL Capitol news bureau Improvements in public schools, juvenile justice and jobs will help the state shake its heritage of crippling poverty, Gov. Kathleen Blanco said Monday. "This heritage we have to work with... more
Jul 29, 2005 Blanco touts tax credit for poor Child-care measure strengthens families, governor says By MARSHA SHULER Gov. Kathleen Blanco ballyhooed a new child-care tax credit for the poorest of the working poor Thursday, but none of them will get any of the money until 2007. Blanco touted the legislation that her administration... more
Jul 29, 2005 Bush damages his credibility The Advocate (opinion) We seem to recall reading a description of President Bush as a man who says what he means and means what he says … until he doesn't. more
Jul 28, 2005 Democrats target sex sites on web They want software, tax to protect kids By Bruce Alpert WASHINGTON -- Stymied by the courts in previous congressional efforts to clamp down on access to sexually graphic Web sites by children, a group of Democratic lawmakers Wednesday proposed legislation that would require adult... more
Jun 26, 2005 State Demo chief seeks cash from DNC State Demo chief seeks cash from DNC National party rep calls request 'doable' By Ed Anderson BATON ROUGE -- State Democratic Party Chairman Jim Bernhard of Baton Rouge said Saturday he is seeking $600,000 to $1 million in the next four years from the national party to help Louisiana... more
Jul 25, 2005 Congress close to allocating money for coast La. senators work to ensure $540 million budget isn't cut By Bruce Alpert WASHINGTON- House and Senate negotiators Sunday tentatively agreed to a complicated financing proposal that would give Louisiana hundreds of millions of dollars between 2007 and 2010 to help restore the state's... more
Jul 26, 2005 Liberal Radio Hits Airwaves Liberal radio hits airwaves Clear Channel tests new lineup in BR area By CHAD CALDER ccalder@theadvocate.com Advocate business writer A 1,000-signature petition was enough to bring liberal talk radio to Baton Rouge, but it will take more than that to keep it here. Clear... more
Jul 5, 2005 La. Demo Party compiling responses to surveys of elected officials BATON ROUGE, La. State Democratic Party Chairman Jim Bernhard asked every Democrat holding an elected position in Louisiana to tell him their beliefs and political positions, and more than 800 have done so. The ten-page survey sent to 38-hundred elected Democrats is one step to putting ... more
Jul 23, 2005 Demos preparing comeback in LA Demos preparing comeback in La. They meet in N.O. to plan new strategy By April Yee Staff writer Democrats from Louisiana's northernmost hamlets as well as from posh suburbs and troubled city neighborhoods in and around New Orleans gathered Friday to plan what many acknowledge is,... more
Jun 27, 2005 Louisiana Democratic Party opens political season with fundraiser by Steve Sabludowsky 6/27/2005 “Five hundred days”. That was the mantra from Donna Brazile who was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the Louisiana Democratic Party fundraiser at the Sheraton in Baton Rouge on Saturday. “Five hundred days” represented the... Bayou Buzz more
Jun 29, 2005 Blanco touts health care plan By Gwen Filosa Staff writer The Times-Picayune Gov. Kathleen Blanco on Tuesday visited Children's Hospital, where more than 60 percent of the patients are eligible for Medicaid, to tout her new health care plan, passed but not yet signed into law, that is expected to generate $290... Times-Picayune more
Jul 11, 2005 Petition gets liberal talk-radio in BR Al Franken and other liberal talk-radio hosts are coming to Baton Rouge's airwaves starting Tuesday, thanks to the efforts of six women interested in having liberal talk radio in the area, an organizer said. The Advocate more
Jul 8, 2005 Hurricane Postpones Beaucoup Blues Workshop New Orleans, LA –Friday, July 8th, 2005. As Hurricane Dennis menaces the Gulf Coast, organizers of Beaucoup Blues: Democrats for a Blue Louisiana regret to postpone the workshop and fundraiser, originally scheduled for Saturday, July 9th at Hilton Garden Inn in New Orleans . The... more
Jun 1, 2005 Group employs 28-foot inflatable gorilla to make case to leave Social Security alone By PATRICK COURREGES pcourreges@theadvocate.com Acadiana bureau LAFAYETTE -- A 28-foot gorilla has begun stalking some of Louisiana's Republican congressman, starting Tuesday by menacing U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany Jr.'s office in Lafayette's federal courthouse. While it wasn't... The Advocate more
May 23, 2005 GOVERNOR BLANCO PROPOSES $3,300 RAISE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS more
May 5, 2005 Kerry stumps in Baton Rouge for health care legislation By DOUG SIMPSON The Associated Press BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — U.S. Sen. John Kerry came to a state where he was soundly beaten in last year's presidential race, campaigning at the Old State Capitol on Thursday for a health care plan he introduced in Congress. Kerry said his... The Times-Picayune more
Apr 28, 2005 Blanco pushes income disclosure Governor pushes income disclosure Blanco: It's a tough sell to lawmakers By Ed Anderson Capital bureau BATON ROUGE -- Gov. Kathleen Blanco conceded Wednesday that it will be difficult to get lawmakers to pass legislation that would require incumbent House and Senate members and... The Times-Picayune more
Apr 22, 2005 Blanco wants disclosure of finances publicly shared Blanco wants disclosure of finances publicly shared By MARK BALLARD mballard@theadvocate.com Capitol news bureau Gov. Kathleen Blanco wants legislators and legislative candidates to publicly disclose their personal finances. Last year the governor was unable to find a legislator... The Advocate more
Apr 26, 2005 Dorsey takes No. 2 House position Dorsey takes No. 2 House position By MARSHA SHULER and JESSICA FENDER Capitol news bureau Rep. Yvonne Dorsey, D-Baton Rouge, ascended to the post of speaker pro tempore of the House as the 2005 legislative session got rolling Monday. Dorsey will be the No. 2 officer of the House,... The Advocate more
Apr 26, 2005 Teacher pay raises top Blanco's agenda Teacher pay raises top Blanco's agenda Her wish list includes closing hole in Medicaid By Robert Travis Scott Capital bureau BATON ROUGE -- Gov. Kathleen Blanco kicked off the 2005 session of the state Legislature on Monday by asking lawmakers to increase several taxes to pay for ... The Times Picayune more
Apr 22, 2005 La. Lawmaker to see pope installed La. lawmaker to see pope installed Melancon is picked for inaugural Mass Washington bureau WASHINGTON -- First-term U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, will be one of 21 House members traveling to Rome for Sunday's inaugural Mass of Pope Benedict XVI. "I'm really looking... more
Apr 14, 2005 Blanco shows substance as governor Blanco shows substance as governor by Sam Hanna The Livingston Parish News Online Gov. Kathleen Blanco has a basic characteristic that is essential for successful leadership: She is believable. And she obviously knows where she wants to take Louisiana. Blanco was all over Louisiana... more...
Apr 13, 2005 Blanco makes health care her top priority Blanco makes health care her top priority Proposed bills target schools, the uninsured By Robert Travis Scott BATON ROUGE -- Changes in the state's health care system, including removing vending machines from schools to reduce obesity and providing money for those in the National Guard,... The Times-Picayune more
Apr 3, 2005 This La. Democrat unworried This La. Democrat unworried By GERARD SHIELDS gshields@theadvocate.com Washington bureau For most people, being holed up in Washington for 30 days working 15 hours a day, seven days a week wouldn't sound like that much fun. But Ben Jeffers dived right in. The former Louisiana... The Advocate more
Apr 2, 2005 Louisiana reacts to death of Pope John Paul II Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco remembered Pope John Paul II as an inspiration to people of all faiths as she joined other state public officials and religious leaders in mourning his death on Saturday. more...
Mar 29, 2005 Blanco dishes out details on agenda during tour Blanco dishes out details on agenda during tour By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON mmillhollon@theadvocate.com Capitol news bureau Gov. Kathleen Blanco chose a hometown crowd for the first in a series of community chats about her agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Blanco dished... The Advocate more
Mar 23, 2005 State Democratic chair visits Monroe more
Mar 16, 2005 Editorial: Blanco vs. GOP Clearly, this is a case of Louisiana’s Republican leaders trying to make political hay at the expense of the governor – never mind that she was well within her rights to do what she did. more
Mar 8, 2005 Landrieu rips Bush on debt, Social Security Landrieu rips Bush on debt, Social Security By MARSHA SHULER mshuler@theadvocate.com U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., ripped into President Bush on Monday for transforming major budget surpluses "into a spiraling deficit with red ink everywhere." Landrieu, speaking to the Louisiana... The Advocate more
Mar 8, 2005 Blanco takes helm of Gulf-state group Blanco takes helm of Gulf-state group U.S., Mexican accord aims to boost trade By James Varney CANCUN, MEXICO -- Gov. Kathleen Blanco was formally installed Monday as president of a Gulf of Mexico states organization that has labored in obscurity for years but that Louisiana... Times-Picayune more
Mar 1, 2005 Officials try to increase enrollment in children's health insurance program Officials try to increase enrollment in children's health insurance program March 1, 2005 crodriguez@gannett.com A recent pilot program at LSU's pediatric emergency room to sign up more children for the state health insurance program LaCHIP didn't produce as many enrollees as... The Shreveport Times more
Mar 1, 2005 Governors protest medicaid plan Governors protest Medicaid plans By GERARD SHIELDS gshields@theadvocate.com Advocate Washington bureau WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration's proposal to cut some $40 billion to $60 billion over 10 years from Medicaid would reduce access to health care for the poorest Americans,... The Adovcate more
Mar 1, 2005 Bush Social Security Plan panned in N.O. Bush Social Security plan panned in N.O. Jefferson is urged to oppose it loudly Tuesday, March 01, 2005 By Bruce Eggler If there were any fans of President Bush's plan for partially privatizing Social Security among the crowd of 150 who showed up for U.S. Rep. William Jefferson's... The Times-Picayune more
Feb 24, 2005 Blanco repeats vow to give teachers raise By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON mmillhollon@theadvocate.com Advocate staff writer Ken Uffman, coordinator for the all-volunteer Jump Start Coalition for Personal Finance Literacy, talks with Gov. Kathleen Blanco after her speech Wednesday at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club. Gov. Kathleen Blanco... The Advocate more
Feb 23, 2005 McCrery targeted on Social Security reform By Bill Walsh The Times-Picayune Washington bureau WASHINGTON -- A liberal advocacy group has set its sights on Rep. Jim McCrery, R-Shreveport, in what is a rapidly mounting public relations battle over President Bush's plan to create private investment accounts in Social Security.... The Times-Picayune more
Feb 14, 2005 The Path to A Debt Society February 14, 2005 Dear Friend: One month after taking office for his first term, President Bush laid out a plan to restore fiscal discipline and prosperity to America. When introducing it to the nation, he said: “Many of you have talked about the need to pay down our national debt.... Sen. Mary Landrieu more
Feb 14, 2005 Former LA Demo Chair Jeffers selected on Dean Transition Team Feb 14, 2005 Dean Announces DNC Transition Team Brings Together Leaders of Diverse Backgrounds from Across the Country Washington, D.C. – Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman, Governor Howard Dean today announced a transition team hailing from all regions of the country. This... more
Feb 15, 2005 Landrieu Criticizes Bush Budget, Debt Landrieu criticizes Bush budget, debt The Advocate By WILL SENTELL wsentell@theadvocate.com Sen. Mary Landrieu President Bush's budget would saddle the nation with too much debt and hurt federal education and highway aid for Louisiana, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu said Monday. "It... more
Feb 13, 2005 National Demos Could Take a Cue From Us National Demos could take a cue from us Times-Picayune Sunday, February 13, 2005 Stephanie Grace In choosing Fortune 500 CEO Jim Bernhard as their new chairman, Louisiana Democrats appeared to send a distinct message to the rest of their party. In the wake of 2004's painful losses,... more
Feb 8, 2005 Louisiana Feels Squeeze of Bush's Budget Many programs face cuts, including corps flood projects Times-Picayune By Bruce Alpert and Bill Walsh Washington bureau WASHINGTON -- President Bush faces a tough battle in Congress as he moves to trim federal deficits by targeting a variety of popular domestic programs for cuts,... Times-Picayune more
Jan 25, 2005 New Demo Chief Seeks to Undo Discord Bernhard stresses 'Louisiana Agenda' more
Jan 15, 2005 The Business of Politics The business of politics Shaw Group's Jim Bernhard got involved only recently By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON and MARSHA SHULER Capitol news bureau Photo courtesy of The Advocate More than a year ago, The Shaw Group's board of directors encouraged the company's founder, Jim Bernhard, to... The Advocate more
Jan 15, 2005 The Business of Politics The business of politics Shaw Group's Jim Bernhard got involved only recently By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON and MARSHA SHULER Capitol news bureau Photo courtesy of The Advocate More than a year ago, The Shaw Group's board of directors encouraged the company's founder, Jim Bernhard, to... The Advocate more
Jan 13, 2005 Blanco takes pride on economic growth more
Jan 12, 2005 Blanco's First Year Democratic Governor Kathleen Blanco's first year had mostly ups, but with a Saints deal, a tight budget, and education and health care needs looming, some say Gov. Kathleen Blanco's real test is still to come. more
Jan 9, 2005 Guard troops soldier on, Landrieu says
Senator meets with troops in Baghdad National Guard troops from Louisiana are stoically going about their jobs after six Guardsmen from the southern part of the state were killed this week, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu said Saturday after a Baghdad meeting with troops. more
Jan 7, 2005 Breaux has served Louisiana and the nation effectively