Vitter backing Tucker in secretary of state’s race

U.S. Sen. David Vitter is backing House Speaker Jim Tucker in this fall’s race for secretary of state. In an e-mail sent to supporters today, Vitter praises Tucker’s “proven record as a budget hawk and an effective, result-oriented leader.” Vitter noted that Tucker pushed more than 40 tax cuts through the House during his term as speaker and led the fight to repeal the Stelly tax. Tucker, R-Terrytown, is challenging the incumbent Republican, Tom Schedler. Schedler issued a statement saying his campaign isn’t worried about the Vitter endorsement. A former state senator from Slidell, Schedler took over the job in November, when Jay Dardenne was sworn in as lieutenant governor. There has been talk that another Republican, Scott Angelle, currently serving as Natural Resources secretary, may also run for the office. Democrat Caroline Fayard previously announced plans to run for secretary of state. This is the second time Vitter has made endorsements in recent weeks for statewide races that have multiple announced Republican candidates. He endorsed Buddy Caldwell’s re-election bid for attorney general over former U.S. Rep. Joseph Cao.