Republic of New Orleans? City Seeks Foreign Aid

Ray Nagin and His Merry Band of Imbeciles are at it again. According to the AP, the Mayor and his administration are "in negotiations" with at least five unnamed foreign governments to make up for a shortfall because "bureaucracy is choking the flow of much-needed federal aid dollars to New Orleans."

Looking over obvious Constitutional questions, is Ray Nagin really the best we have to negotiate with a foreign government?

Buried in the story was this gem from Landrieu flak, Adam Sharp. Apparently, Louisiana 's senior Senator is "working with the government of Saudi Arabia on ways it can help restore New Orleans' City Park." Saudi Arabia, really? You can't make this stuff up.

Uncompassionate Conservatives

Fred Barnes of The Weekly Standard has posted an article on House Republicans efforts to reclaim the mantle of fiscal conservatism and the lengths they are will to go to get there. They have a group of 147 GOP Congressmen that are willing to stand against any attempt to override a Bush veto of Democrat appropriations bills.

...they are willing to be pilloried by Democrats as pitiless, cruel, unfeeling, callous, uncaring, coldhearted, and Scrooge-like to get it. That's how important it is to Republicans to be seen again as politicians who can be counted on to restrain or, better yet, slash government spending, even in the case of popular programs.

It's too early to know if the GOP has finally found its voice, but Congress looks like it's headed for a showdown over the budget later this summer. Whatever the end result may be, it is nice to see signs of life from conservatives in our nation's Capital.

Your Second Cup Of Coffee

• Show Me The Money, NOLA Residents Protest Road Home Shortfall (The Advocate) - Displaced New Orleanian Francine Lamothe and a hundred or so other New Orleans-area residents marched Thursday from the Governor’s Mansion to the State Capitol.
• Rev. Billy Graham's Wife, Ruth, Dies At 87 (AP) - In a recent visit to Ruth and Billy Graham's beloved home in the western North Carolina mountains, her local pastor recalled, the world's most renowned evangelist fumbled the words to the 23rd Psalm — one of his wife's favorites.
• For Wedding Crashers, It's A Can't Miss (The Advertiser) - Bride to walk down aisle at New Iberia Wal-Mart, New Iberia's Kymberlie DeRouen figured she and fiance William Guidry were due for a little good luck. She just didn't know how fortunate they would get.
• Spurs Establish Dynasty, Sweep Cavs - San Antonio 83, Cleveland 82
• US Open Championship - 2nd Round (Oakmont CC, Underway)
  

Thank You Sir, May I Have Another?

Ray “Willy Wonka” Nagin, in yet another stroke of genius, has declared that he wants even more on his plate regarding the recovery of New Orleans. Land previously maintained by the now defunct Orleans Levee Board is up for grabs, and Mayor Wonka would like to see the city take control of the property which includes Lakefront Airport, a number of marinas, and other valuable waterfront land.

Some might question the wisdom of adding responsibility to an administration that faces such financial, organizational, and intellectual challenges. Not to worry says Kenya Smith, Nagin's executive assistant for intergovernmental affairs. The staffer responded to the criticism saying, “the city manages a number of assets very well," citing Louis Armstrong International Airport as an example.

I don't know about you, but we feel better already. For a longer list of "well-managed" assets, we suggest you contact CITY HALL CI HAL .

The Hoff John Georges For Governor

Ok, ok. We here at OrN know that John Georges for Governor can't be taken seriously, but this stuff is seriously funny. Please do not scroll down if nudity or the '80s offends you...we cannot be held responsible.

This seems like a good time to launch the inaugural OrN Caption Contest. E-mail your suggested caption to theivhorsemen@gmail.com. We will post the top five later this afternoon.

Your Second Cup of Coffee

The Legislature Is Hitting The Home Stretch:

• Budget Battle Continues (Times-Picayune) - House Republicans abruptly broke off negotiations on the state budget Wednesday, and threatened to block a $1.9 billion budget bill that contains key reconstruction aid for New Orleans if their demands to lower the overall amount of new state spending are not met.
  
• La Ethics 1 Pushes Forward (The Advocate) - Conflicting proposals aimed at exposing potential conflicts of interest in the business dealings of government officials cleared legislative hurdles Wednesday. (The Advocate)
• John McCain Goes On The Offensive (The Hill) - White House hopeful Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) yesterday adjusted his campaign tactics, aiming withering fire at his rivals in an apparent effort to mute recent stories that his campaign is in trouble.
• US Open Championship - David Toms (-2), Tiger (-1), Ernie Els (-1), Angel Cabrera (-3)
  

What We Missed, What To Watch For

• He's The Queen Of Our Double Wide Trailer - Sammy Kershaw announces his candidacy for Lt. Governor
• Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Has Gone To The Darkside - NASCAR driver signs with Hendrick Motorsports
• Rescue Me (FX Network, 9pm CDT)
  
• US Open Golf Tournament (Oakmont CC, Tomorrow 8am CDT)

UPDATE: House GOP Holds The Line, Dems Defeat Stelly Repeal

At a news conference this afternoon, Republican legislators again pledged to defend the Constitutionally protected state spending cap. Read story.

"We are not going to be able to come to a compromise on the House side on the budget," said Rep. Jim Tucker, R-Terrytown, chairman of the House Republican Caucus.

In votes shortly after, Democrats defeated Republican efforts to repeal all or parts of the Stelly Plan on party-line votes.

We are not surprised, but constantly appalled, at the audacity of Kathleen and her Democrat cronies. These yahoos are hell-bent on running what's left of this state into the ground.

Hillary Phones Home, Gets Speilberg Endorsement

It looks like Obama might not have Tinseltown wrapped up just yet. Following Jenna Jameson's lead, Hollywood hit-maker Steven Spielberg has thrown his hat into Hillary Clinton's corner.

In a statement released this morning by the Clinton campaign, Spielberg said that after familiarizing himself "with the impressive field of Democratic candidates," he had decided that the New York senator and former First Lady "is the most qualified candidate to lead us from her first day in the White House."

A little special effects help couldn't hurt. If you know what we're talking about, and we think you do...

Rudy Joins Moses...Adds Two Commandments

On Monday, the Rudy Guiliani campaign released his Twelve Commitments To America, "a bold vision aimed at moving America forward through change and reform, overcoming new challenges and increasing accountability in Washington."

Most notable,

8. I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
9. I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.

Does this signal a move to the right for America's Mayor? Is it just rhetorical spin to answer attacks from social conservatives? Or is it just Rudy being Rudy?

The Twelve Commitments:

1. I will keep America on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us.
2. I will end illegal immigration, secure our borders, and identify every non-citizen in our nation.
3. I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.
4. I will cut taxes and reform the tax code.
5. I will impose accountability on Washington.
6. I will lead America towards energy independence.
7. I will give Americans more control over, and access to, healthcare with affordable and portable free-market solutions.
8. I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
9. I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.
10. I will ensure that every community in America is prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
11. I will provide access to a quality education to every child in America by giving real school choice to parents.
12. I will expand America’s involvement in the global economy and strengthen our reputation around the world.

The Man Behind The Man Behind The Man

Meet the new boss, Same as the old boss. --The Who

Vietnam hero, US Senator, and possible crazy, John McCain has bet his White House hopes on those who ran the Straight Talk Express off its tracks in 2000. The Washington Post has an interesting read on these guys and the launch of "McCain 2.0."

Russ Schriefer spent the first few weeks of 2000 driving around New Hampshire with a digital camera and a singular mission: finding a way to discredit John McCain with voters in the state's upcoming primary.

The soft-spoken Schriefer now heads the media team for McCain, the man he helped Bush defeat seven years ago.

Schriefer jokes that their current candidate is new and improved. "We call him McCain 2.0," he says. "We've gotten some of the bugs out."

Maybe Louisiana Political Dinosaur and McCain 2000 "War Room Czar", Roy Fletcher, was one of the bugs that was fixed. Apparently, You Tube has replaced the Pterodactyl Player. Sorry, Roy.

Your Second Cup of Coffee

• Budget Battle Continues - GOP Rejects Dems Offer (The Advocate) - Republican lawmakers on Tuesday rejected Democrats’ offer of an extra $100 million in tax breaks to break the blockade in the House over a spending bill.
• La. High School Grad Rate Low (The Advocate) - About six out of 10 Louisiana public school students graduate from high school on time, a rate below the national average and 44th out of 50 states.
• Brother of Rep. Francis Thompson Indicted (The News-Star) - Mike Thompson of Delhi, former executive director of the Poverty Point Reservoir District, has been indicted by a federal grand jury alleging that he illegally took money from the district while acting as director.
• Bush Lobbies Senate On Immigration, Again (Washington Times) - President Bush visited with Senate Republicans behind closed doors yesterday, promising that he will follow through on border security, pleading with them to give his immigration plans a second look and trying to overcome hard feelings that arose from his recent charge that opponents are guilty of trying to "frighten people."
• Pull Your Pants Up in Delcambre Today (The Advertiser) - "I don't know if it will do any good, but it won't hurt," he said. "It's obvious, and anybody with common sense can see your parts when you wear sagging pants."
• Spurs 75, Cavaliers 72
  

Calendar Chaos

• Too good not to post...
  
  
  
  
  Click on the image above to play the video.

What We Missed, What To Watch For

• From the "If A Tree Falls In The Woods" Department, John Georges announced his candidacy for Governor of Louisiana this morning. We missed it, too. Here is the non-story.

• "I'm so happy to hear that you are funding the primate center. For those that are term-limited, it'll probably be our future home after we leave here this session."
  - Rep. Warren Triche, D-Thibodaux, referring to money earmarked in a spending bill for a primate center at Tulane University.

• NBA Finals, Spurs at the Cavs (8pm, ABC)

• Roast, Rice, and Gravy (7pm, My house)
  

UPDATE: Dems Make Some Concessions on Spending/Tax Cuts

From Melinda Deslatte of the Associated Press,

House Democratic lawmakers are offering to scale back spending in next year's $29.7 billion budget proposal by $100 million to free up more room for tax breaks - an offer that falls short of what Republicans sought, but that budget negotiators hope will break a partisan logjam.

Democratic leaders are apparently conceding spending reductions in salaries and raises for currently vacant state jobs. However, there is still no word on the nearly 1,000 new jobs that Blanco is trying to add to the state dole, the offered tax relief falls far short of the amount Republicans are committed to, and the budget as it stands would still likely require future tax increases to maintain.

It is obvious that Blanco and her bullies do not have the votes to pass her bloated, irresponsible budget. We must continue to demand accountability and responsibility from our government. Call your legislator now!

Read full story here.

Take action:

• Call your state legislator (House (225) 342-6945, Senate (225) 342-2040), tell them to support the responsible Republican plan.
• Call talk radio in your area (Moon Griffon, (318) 388-2323)
• Write a letter to the editor at your local paper, tell others about the importance of this legislation on the future of our state.

"A rigid economy of the public contributions and absolute interdiction of all useless expenses will go far towards keeping the government honest and unoppressive." -Thomas Jefferson

Your Daily "Dollar" Bill Jefferson News For Free

Just to summarize, Congressman-Indicted Bill Jefferson (D-LA) continues to work, has lots of bills (this one's not a pun), and apparently and amazingly, still has friends...

• Jefferson Confidently Returns To Work (Times-Pic) - Saying "I have no fear," Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, returned to Capitol Hill on Monday to cast his first votes since being indicted a week ago on federal corruption charges.
• Jefferson's Fight Costly (The Advocate) - U.S. Rep. William Jefferson is facing legal bills that could reach $2 million to fight complex public corruption charges that include bribery, racketeering and money laundering, lawyers said.
• Group Forms To Support Jefferson (The Advocate) - A group calling itself the Justice for Jefferson Committee has formed in support of indicted U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans.

LA Times/Bloomberg Poll: Giuliani and Thompson Separate From Field

This pretty much sums it up...

Overall, the survey underscored the unsettled nature of the Republican contest, with voters splitting roughly along ideological lines.

Giuliani, whose views on abortion, gay rights and guns are to the left of many in his party, has built a wide base among moderates and independents, while Thompson has drawn conservatives, particularly among the religious right.

That dynamic, however, could change quickly. Giuliani has faced a swarm of media scrutiny of his weak spots for months, but retains a lead in national polls, although it is somewhat diminished.

Thompson, by contrast, is only starting to introduce himself. He has never endured the rigors of a high-profile campaign and has not parried with rivals in debates, as Giuliani and nine other Republicans have done three times this spring.

Thompson "has this allure, but he hasn't been tested yet," said Times Poll Director Susan Pinkus, who conducted the survey. "He has gotten a free ride so far."

Read the full story.

Action Alert! Help Republican Legislators Stop The Blanco Spending Spree

Louisiana needs you! Pressure continues to mount against your Republican delegation and their efforts to hold the line on Governor Blanco's plan to break the bank and mortgage the future of our state. The fight over HB 3 is a critical crossroads for this state. Let your voice be heard.

In a letter to the GOP delegation, the Republican plan would allow for priority pay increases for teachers and law enforcement, make prudent one-time investments in the future of our state, and provide tax relief for the businesses and families of Louisiana, while operating within a fiscally responsible manner for our present and future.

Blanco and her bullies in the legislature are looking add to 1,000 new jobs to an already bloated state government, give pay increases to state jobs that aren't even filled, and virtually guarantees tax increases in the next four years.

In recent polling, 60% of Louisianans oppose spending most or all of the $3.2 billion dollar budget surplus on expenses that will have to be paid every year. The Republican plan holds recurring expenses to $850 million - Blanco is calling for $1.2 billion (and growing) in bills to be paid every year.

Take action:

• Call your state legislator (House (225) 342-6945, Senate (225) 342-2040), tell them to support the responsible Republican plan.
• Call talk radio in your area (Moon Griffon, (318) 388-2323)
• Write a letter to the editor at your local paper, tell others about the importance of this legislation on the future of our state.

"I simply could not hold my tongue on this any longer. Someone has to speak out; someone has to speak up for the taxpayers, for responsible government, and for fiscal sanity."
-Congressman Bobby Jindal

Pat "The Puddy Tat" Bergeron

We've got to give it to "Spider." The other Democrat for Ag Commissioner knows how to catch flies for its web campaign. Notorious Louisiana political sleaze merchant, Pat Bergeron, has been hired to use his Louisiana Political "News" Service and LA Newslink to trash, by any means necessary, Carter's opponents.

What Bergeron lacks in talent, he does not make up for with integrity. In the past, Pat has provided hatchet services for Democrat Sen. Cleo Fields, BR Next, The Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, Republican Peggy Wilson's 2006 Mayoral campaign, and last year's strong third place campaign of Mike Francis for Secretary of State. Will this guy give it up to anybody for a buck?

A recent overview of Carter’s expense report show that buying the online “courthouse crowd” is a large part of this recent Democrat’s strategy. Surprising, only because we didn’t know it took $2000 to buy off Pat “How Do You Want Your Coffee, Mr. Fields?” Bergeron. It's no secret that he will take a knee (or two) for a lot less.

My grandmother always told me “If you don’t have anything good to say about somebody, come sit next to me.” Apparently, Wayne "Spider" Carter believes that if people don’t have anything good to say about you, just pay them.

A Case For Fred Dalton Thompson

Why Fred Thompson? We think Joe Colvin might be on to something...

1. There is no clear-cut favorite: A large percentage of the Bush fund-raising team remains uncommitted, a signal that the Republican establishment is not satisfied with the present field seeking the party's nomination.
2. Fred Thompson is strongest in the GOP South: 51% of his supporters are from the South or Southwest, his strongest region and a key to the GOP primary and nomination.
3. Thompson's support among independents points to a formidable general election candidate: 33% of supporters identify themselves as "independents who lean Republican," the highest percentage in the field.

Here's looking forward to July 4th!