No contest: With former Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao (R-New Orleans) announcing Monday that he’s dropping out of the race, Attorney General Buddy Caldwell has secured his reelection. Cao, Caldwell’s only opponent in the race, says he met with Caldwell before making the decision to drop out. In a statement released Monday, Cao says Caldwell assured him “that he will fight for the best interests of the people of Louisiana.” Cao added, “Whether as an elected official or a private citizen, I, too, will continue to serve the people of this state and fight for what is best for our people.” To read a story by The Times-Picayune click here.
Shoe time: Although tests for DNA evidence in the case of a bar fight involving suspended LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson were inconclusive, a grand jury will begin hearing evidence in the matter on Wednesday, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says. The genetic testing was done on shoes belonging to quarterback Jefferson and reserve linebacker Josh Johns, who were both suspended indefinitely after police arrested them on felony charges of second-degree battery on Aug. 26. “This case will not be determined by DNA alone,” Moore has told The Associated Press. “It will depend, like most other cases, on witness testimony and their credibility.” Moore says the grand jury is expected to meet at least twice, but he could not immediately predict when the second meeting would take place.
Pay(ton) day Saints Coach Sean Payton has signed on to be an official spokesperson and representative for recently merged Whitney and Hancock banks. Payton will make public appearances on behalf of the banks, and will also appear in television, radio, print, and online advertisements. The banks say customers can also expect to see promotional items bearing Payton’s likeness. Payton recently got his contract with the Saints extended through 2015. Terms of that deal were not disclosed, nor were details of today’s announcement.
