LAE ramps up election activity

The Louisiana Association of Educators, defined politically as a Democratic union, isn’t known for sitting on the sidelines. And this fall’s elections aren’t any different from those in years gone by. According to a campaign finance report filed Tuesday with the state Ethics Administration, LAE dropped nearly $12,000 on a dozen legislative races late last month. Locally, Sen. Yvonne Dorsey chalked up $1,500, and Rep. Patricia Haynes Smith picked up $1,000. Both women are Democrats. LAE is also backing a candidate on the top of the Oct. 22 ballot: schoolteacher Tara Hollis, a Haynesville Democrat running for governor. LAE’s latest report doesn’t show any cash going Hollis’s way, but the candidate says a sizable check is expected any day now. Later tonight, Hollis will square off in an LAE-sponsored debate against eight other candidates in the race, minus Gov. Bobby Jindal. The governor’s campaign says he will only participate in televised debates this cycle. LAE’s forum begins at 7 p.m. in the Bo Campbell Auditorium, located inside the LSU Cox Communications Academic Center. The audience is expected to query the candidates on topics such as education reform, privatization and state funding. Political analyst and local talk show host Jim Engster will serve as moderator. —Jeremy Alford