LRN PM Newscall March 7

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is not running for governor, but another potential Republican candidate emerges. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Edwards continues his overseas trade mission in Asia. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is not running for governor this year. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Graves’ decision is not a surprise…

Cut 3 (07) “…not to run” 

In an email to supporters, Graves says it’s clear the best service he can provide to Louisiana and the next governor is by building upon recent wins in the U-S Congress. Fletcher says there are a lot of Republicans who wanted Graves to run, but he has a good situation in the U-S House…

Cut  4 (09)  “…wants to do” 

With Graves not running, another Republican name has surfaced as a possible candidate, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack. Fletcher expects Waguespack to make an official announcement on Thursday that he is running…

Cut 5 (08) “…issues too”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is officially endorsing retired DOTD Secretary, Shawn Wilson for governor. Wilson announced his campaign for governor yesterday with a video on his website. LA-Polictics.com Publisher, Jeremy Alford says although Wilson’s announcement has come a bit late – he already has an edge in the race.

Cut 6 (11)  “…same about.” 

Under Governor Edwards leadership, Wilson served as Transportation Secretary for seven years. Alford says Wilson’s base of supporters will serve as a solid component in his race for governor.

Cut 7 (11)  “…election day” 

Attorney General Jeff Landry has five million dollars in his campaign funds putting Wilson at a preliminary disadvantage. Alford says the race for governor will be unpredictable.

Cut 8 (05)  “…the unexpected.” 

Louisiana’s gubernatorial election is October 14th.

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Governor Edwards and business leaders continue their mission abroad building and nurturing foreign trade relationships. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Don Pierson spoke to us from Tokyo this morning, he says the chemical company Shintech is approaching a $10 billion investment with the state and future investments are dependent on demonstrating a commitment from the state.

Cut 9 (10) “…to Louisiana.”

Pierson says the Bayou State’s agriculture industry benefits from foreign trade along with state ports. For example, Zen-Noh (zen-no-ah) grain is able to access grain from farmers via the Mississippi River and then distribute it globally. He says in addition to the state’s traditional relationships, they are nurturing new ones.

Cut 10 (12) “…our future.” 

In America, businesses operate independently but in Asia, Pierson says many companies are guided by their government. So the trip has included meetings with executives from the  Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Cut 11 (12)  “…talking to.”

The Louisiana delegation has also met with the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel on their visit.

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After losing in the Sun Belt Tournament Championship game last season, the Ragin Cajuns won in the league’s tournament title last night as they defeated South Alabama 71 to 66. The win puts Bob Marlin’s team in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014

Cut 12 (14) “…make it happen” 

U-L Lafayette will find out on Sunday who they will play and where in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

They entered the season as the favorites to win the Sun Belt and they’ve compiled a record of 26-and-7. Marlin says it’s a special group of players….

Cut 13 (04) “…great things” 

Cajuns guard Themus Fulks had a career-high 23 points, while Jordan Brown had 13 points and 16 rebounds. Marlin says three-point shooting was the difference in the game…

Cut 14 (08)   “…three for eleven.”

This is the fifth NCAA Tournament berth for the Cajuns.