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!

Porn star Jenna Jameson endorses Hillary...

Jenna Jameson, who's been called the world's most famous porn star and is the author of the New York Times bestseller "How To Make Love Like a Porn Star," talked about Hillary Clinton in an interview with PR.com....May 17, 2007...

PR.com: "Who's your favorite Democratic front runner for 2008? Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton or John Edwards?"

Jenna Jameson: "I love Hillary. I think that in some ways she's pretty conservative for a Democrat, but I would love to have a woman in office. I think that it would be a step in the right direction for our country, and there would be less focus on war and more focus on bettering society."

PR.com: "Do you find that the climate of the adult industry changes when there is a Republican administration versus Democratic?"

Jenna Jameson: "Absolutely. The Clinton administration was the best years for the adult industry and I wish that Clinton would run again. I would love to have him back in office. I would love to have Al Gore in office. When Republicans are in office, the problem is, a lot of times they try to put their crosshairs on the adult industry, to make a point. It's sad, when there are so many different things that are going on in the world: war, and people are dying of genocide...I look forward to another Democrat being in office. It just makes the climate so much better for us, and I know that once all our troops come home, things are going to be better and I think that getting Bush out of office is the most important thing right now."

Fred Thompson responds to Michael Moore challenge

Notice the cigar Fred is smokin'!!!

Case and Political Scumbag #1. Bob Odom

Bob Odom and His Cronies Are at it Again

House Bill 399?

Has anyone taken a look at HB 399? If not then get ready for the story of your life...

It seems like just yesterday, weary hurricane victims and concerned citizens lined the rails and galleries of the state capitol demanding change. Their message: reform south Louisiana’s levee boards by replacing politico appointees and good ole boys with trained knowledgeable professionals and engineers. Their effort worked. The legislature and the Governor followed as the people led.

One year later, it appears that state lawmakers lead by Ag Commissioner Bob Odom have teamed up to bring Louisiana right back down the dark path (again) to political corruption and cronyism. House Bill 399 is actually attempting to exempt soil and water conservation districts by the Dept. of Agriculture from having a licensed CPA conduct audits. It also exempts these districts from further audit by the legislative auditor.

So let’s get this straight…

#1. Bob Odom wants to change the current law to exempt soil and water conservation districts from using a licensed and trained professional CPA & the legislative auditor from conducting their audits.

#2. Bob Odom wants folks from within the Dept. of Ag & Forestry (DAF) to conduct these audits.

#3. The audits conducted by these non-licensed professionals are in compliance.

That’s it…no further audit is required by the legislative auditor. Wow!! Turn the clock back, dig up Huey’s grave and let EWE out of jail. We gotta hot one here folks!

It’s baffling how in the year when everyone has decided to embrace ethics reform, the legislature could engineer such a blatant violation of the public trust. On the other hand, it’s no surprise that Bob Odom is behind this.

Hopefully the voters will rise up as they did in the fight to reform our levee boards, hold these legislators accountable and finally put an end to Bob Odom’s tenure of corruption.

If you would like to read the whole of House Bill 399, go to www.legis.state.la.us

OrN-out

Battle Lines Are Drawn

Interesting read in this weekend's Times Pic.

Alas, a two party system in the state legislature.

After 150 years of the good ole boy network, it finally appears the two parties in the state legislature have matured to a point where they may actually stand for something. The Democratic National Party, led by Howard Dean, must be very excited to see that despite a conservative movement within the Louisiana electorate, Democrats in the state legislature are sticking to the core beliefs of their party.

The Democrats' 5-Point Legislative Agenda

1. Add 1,200 more government employees at a cost of $63 million dollars.
2. Rebuild Louisiana’s failed and inefficient Charity Hospital System to pre-Katrina abyss.
   
3. Spend every penny of the surplus (one time money) on expenses that will have to be paid every year…despite the fact that the economy is slowing down.
   
4. Give ALL government employees a raise, because ALL government employees deserve a raise.
5. And by all means, do not reform, refine, or restructure any government agency or program. Always remember big government works best.
   

Howard Dean must be proud.

Proud Mary Tries A Flip-Flop On For Size...And It Fits

Mary Landrieu has stolen a page out of the John Kerry playbook. "I voted for affordable health care before I voted against it."

Last week, Senator Landrieu supported a measure that would make prescription drugs more affordable. However, yesterday she supported an amendment to the bill that in effect ended any chance of it passing. Her reasoning? She was concerned that drugs imported from Canada are unsafe. These are the same prescription drugs that thousands of senior citizens from this country already cross into Canada every week to buy for half the price.

Many are speculating that Senator Landrieu caved in to special interest pressure, pointing to the fact that she has received over $750,000 in campaign contributions from the health care industry. The legislation would have saved the citizens over $50 billion over 10 years.

Read full story here.