The ACLU of Louisiana calls yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling on the state’s congressional map “disgraceful.” The Supreme Court threw out the map, ruling it an unconstitutional gerrymander. Executive Director Alanah Odoms says it’s not just people of color who will suffer in the long run because of this ruling.
Cut 5 (07) “…upon name change.”
So in light of this ruling, next month’s U.S. House primary election is now in limbo. Governor Landry is expected to suspend the primary, saying the state is now restricted from using the current congressional map. Political analyst Scott Hughes says if that happens, that would leave only six months to essentially hold an election from square one, which could make a closed primary untenable.
One state senator says approving a new congressional map in this regular session is possible.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
Outgoing Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson got quite the going-away present – a 30-count indictment related to last year’s jailbreak. The charges include malfeasance in office and payroll fraud. Hutson lost her re-election bid to Michelle Woodfork, who will be sworn in Monday. Chief Financial Officer Bianka Brown is also indicted on 20 counts.