BESE races should be lively

After more than three months of planning to retire from the state’s top school board, Glenny Lee Buquet announced unexpectedly Monday that she is rather seeking to add another full term to her nearly 20 years of elected service. More tellingly, however, is that Buquet, a Houma resident, was almost immediately “applauded” by Gov. Bobby Jindal for wanting to remain a member of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. In fact, Jindal’s influence appears to have been a key factor in Buquet’s decision. The governor said he personally asked her to reconsider. “That had a lot to do with it. It’s hard to tell the governor no,” Buquet says. “I’m sure a lot of people are surprised right now.” Buquet represents BESE’s 3rd District, in southeast Louisiana, which is bordered to the north by the Baton Rouge-based district, where incumbent Chas Roemer decided just a few weeks ago to stand for re-election as well. For the full story, click here. —Jeremy Alford