Louisiana GOP pols line up N.O. fundraiser for Walker

While the lackluster Baton Rouge mayor’s race has been relatively short on spending so far by either Mayor Kip Holden or Mayor Pro Tem Mike Walker—collectively the candidates have raised only $700,000 or so—that may soon change. An influential group of Republican lawmakers and GOP party officials will be passing the hat for Walker later this month at a pricey fundraiser in downtown New Orleans. U.S. Sen. David Vitter, Congressmen Bill Cassidy and Steve Scalise, and La. Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere are hosting the Oct. 17 event, which costs $500 per couple. For a special host committee reception, the price is $1,000 per individual. “Clearly this shows that serious money can be raised,” says political consultant Roy Fletcher, who is producing Walker’s paid campaign ads. “Mike is the conservative and they want to be with him.” Though candidates for public office seldom look gift horses in the mouth, the invitation for Walker’s reception makes clear that not everyone is welcome at the event. “Friends of Mike Walker are not asking for funds from corporations or labor organizations,” the invitation reads. —Stephanie Riegel