LRN PM Newscall January 17

Chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force says the $2.5 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project will wipe out the state’s seafood industry. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The state’s Republican Party advises Congressman Garret Graves to stay out of the Governor’s race. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force says the $2.5 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project will devastate the state’s seafood industry. Mitch Jurisich says the project scheduled to begin in March will put him and others like him out of business permanently.

Cut 3 (11) “…severely impacted.” 

Jurisich questions the project’s intent and is crying foul. He says the plan to build twenty-one square miles in the next 50 years but lose 50 square miles makes no sense.

Cut 4 (12)  “…big money.” 

And after what happened in 2012 at Mardi Gras Pass, there are fears this project devastate those who make their livelihood along the west bank of Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes and into Lafourche Parish. With less than two months until the project begins, Jurisich says they plan to file legal action.

Cut 5 (10) “…only option.”

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The head of the Louisiana Republican Party advises Congressman Garret Graves to stay out of the race for Governor this fall. On the party’s Facebook page LAGOP chairman Louis Gurvich says (quote) “I believe he would be making a terrible mistake by leaving Congress for the governor’s mansion.” Political analyst Roy Fletcher says Gurvich is trying to build and maintain a unified GOP front in state elections…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…only one Republican.” 

Gurvich does not criticize Graves in his article. He instead lays out a case for why he’s a greater asset to Louisiana in D.C., and winning the Governor’s race would mean him letting his seat in Congress go, with a very narrow GOP margin of power there. Fletcher says Graves doubtlessly has also considered these points, and also his own ability to raise needed campaign cash…:

Cut 7 (11)  “…into consideration.” 

Gurvich does ask, with the state GOP clearly backing Attorney General Jeff Landry, (quote) “why change all that for the sake of one congressman’s ego?” Fletcher says he feels the state GOP wants to circumvent the spirit of Louisiana’s Open Primary system, which he feels is as viable now as it was when first implemented…

Cut 8 (09)  “..get in the Big Dance.” 

“Facebook.com/lagop” to read Gurvich’s entire article. Congressman Graves has not made any announcement about the fall election.

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The Louisiana State Police is investigating a two-vehicle wreck on Interstate 49 last night in St. Landry Parish that killed an unlicensed 17-year-old driver. Trooper Thomas Gossen says Jaquanta Jason of Washington was traveling at a high rate of speed

Cut 9 (10) “…coroner’s office” 

Gossen says this crash is unfortunately an example of the many driving issues troopers encounter on a daily basis…

Cut 10 (09) “…as well” 

The driver of the 18-wheeler was restrained and non injured. Gossen says Jason was speeding, not buckled up and did not have a driver’s license…

Cut 11 (07)  “…with her.”

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After 5 years in Lafayette, the prestigious Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off moves this year to Lake Charles. The next annual event will be held at the city’s Golden Nugget casino and entertainment complex. Speaking at the Golden Nugget Tuesday morning, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Lake Charles is deserving, after fighting its way back from two devastating hurricanes…:

Cut 12 (11) “…your hard work.”

The big event comes up June 27th at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles. The search is on now for a field of competing chefs to see whose seafood cuisine reigns supreme. The LA. Seafood Cook-Off moves periodically, and Nungesser says selecting Lake Charles as its new home was easy to do…:

Cut 13 (12) “excited about it.” 

The Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, a division of Nungesser’s office, holds the annual cook-off which attracts huge crowds year after year and helps promote quality Louisiana Seafood to the nation and the world. Executive Director Chef Samantha Carrol says winning this year’s cook-off could be a springboard to bigger things for one Louisiana chef…:

Cut 14 (08)   “…their own television shows.”