Once again, Louisiana voters (to be exact, 38.5% of them) and our open primary system have made our bed—and unfortunately we must all lie in it.
Many Republicans and independents have told me they are now between a rock and a hard place in this gubernatorial race, faced with the unpleasant task of choosing between a liberal Democrat wedded to the teacher unions and a conservative Republican they don’t like or trust. Others describe the predicament as voting for the lesser of two evils. (Remember 1991 and holding your nose while casting your ballot?)
I am an optimist, but I am doubtful that either candidate—Rep. John Bel Edwards or Sen. David Vitter—can lead our state. I made my position clear on both of these men a while back, and it hasn’t changed. (My guess is that if many of those who were trying to pick a winner knew then what they know now, they might have voted differently.)
It seems regardless of who is our next governor, we will have to depend on the Legislature and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for strong leadership. In a state where the governor wields so much power, the Legislature and BESE will need our strong support—and a lot of prayer.
Here are my endorsements for the Nov. 21 general election.
Statewide offices
Governor: No endorsement
I have been asked over and over, “What are you going to do?” I have shared with you why I feel neither of these men should be governor. It is a battle of bad policy vs. bad character.
Edwards would be a total disaster for education. He would clearly turn our K-12 system back over to the teacher unions that put our state at the bottom for decades, and hurt children and their future as they protected their dues-paying members. (I noticed on TV all the heads of the teacher unions were on stage with Edwards on election night.) Edwards would try to undo 20 years of positive reforms that have given parents and students a choice from being trapped in failing schools. Fact is, Edwards has a record that is totally void of any ideas to improve education. His voting record and statements on education are shameful. Despite what Mrs. Edwards says on television, he would be the worst governor for education.
Edwards would be a populist governor as those in Louisiana’s past—like the last “Edwards” we had in office—making government bigger and taxes higher, and killing job growth. How would he work with the business community?
On the other side, Vitter is a known commodity by most and his character and honesty are his major issues. What would his reputation do to Louisiana’s reputation? He is arrogant and vindictive—a loner and a bully.
That’s how he campaigns, and that is how he has served. Vitter is not a role model for our children— or anyone else, for that matter.
You can see I dislike both equally for different reasons and why I can’t endorse either. It comes down to this on Election Day: The liberal Democrat will kill the opportunity for our children’s educational choices and success, business development and smaller government; the conservative Republican lacks the character of a servant leader and would harm the reputation of our state.
You must decide the most important priorities for you, your children and Louisiana—and vote your conscience.
Lt. Governor: Melvin “Kip” Holden
We all know him as Mayor Holden in Baton Rouge, where he got almost 60% of the vote in the primary. The top two Republican opponents spent millions trashing one another while Holden just kept smiling as he talked about the potential for Louisiana tourism, the film industry and economic development. Holden is energetic and enthusiastic about our potential, and he has “never met a stranger.” He loves what he does in selling Baton Rouge—and has done a good job. Now he wants to promote our state to the world. I believe Holden can do it best.
Attorney General: Buddy Caldwell
Many coaches win because of the team they assemble around them. Many district attorneys and law enforcement officials support Caldwell because of the results of the team at the attorney general’s office. The head coach appropriately gets the credit. Caldwell leads the team.
Under his leadership, the Attorney General’s Office has been very successful in securing settlements and fines against pharmaceutical companies and BP, getting millions for the state and the taxpayers.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services even ranked his office No. 1 in the nation in criminal Medicaid fraud recovery and No. 1 in efficiency.
Caldwell, who is a former district attorney with much trial experience, faces former congressman Jeff Landry, who has never tried a criminal case before a jury. That is a big difference.
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
District 6: Jason Engen
Jason Engen is a businessman with a master’s degree, and he was formerly in the Air Force. He is a father of young children and concerned about their future.
Engen will put our children’s education and choices ahead of protecting adult jobs and the status quo. He will set high standards. His business perspective will be valuable as we design a system that prepares students for college and the workplace. Engen is a solid choice.
Louisiana House District 29: Ronnie Edwards
She has been a caring member of the Metro Council and strong advocate for north Baton Rouge. A person of integrity, Edwards is a true public servant and would make an excellent representative.
House District 63: Barbara West Carpenter
Barbara West Carpenter is the dean of international education at Southern University. She served on the board of the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority for 27 years, including six terms as the chairman.
She established the first adult literature program in the Scotlandville area. Her father was the principal of Scotlandville High School and her mother the assistant principal of Baker Middle School, giving her deep roots in this district.
House District 66: Darrell Ourso
Darrell Ourso cares about our community and has a humble desire to serve. He has the endorsement of small business via the National Federation of Independent Business.
He is also a supporter of LSU and was on the LSU Student Government’s honor roll for supporting higher education. Transportation issues are at the top of his list. Ourso is a public servant and has done a good job and deserves a four-year term.
House District 69: Paula Davis
This seat is open after the resignation of Erich Ponti, who is supporting Paula Davis. This is a first run for Paula Davis, but she has a good understanding of government, having served Louisiana as deputy commissioner of insurance, where she dealt with the challenges of Katrina and Rita. She has also performed governmental relations and understands the legislative process.
Davis has proven effective at developing working relationships with stakeholders and has been involved in giving back to the community through the arts, local nonprofits and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. I believe Davis will be the best addition to the Baton Rouge team in the Legislature.
BREW salutes entrepreneurs
Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week happens Nov 16-20. It highlights and supports entrepreneurs
—a key to our future. See page 36 for details or visit the website CelebrateBREW.com.
