While the Supreme Court expedited the release of its ruling that declared Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional, a lawsuit seeking to reinstate the current U.S. House elections is still pending in federal court. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Two Baton Rouge residents launch a recall effort against Governor Landry in the wake of his suspension of the U.S. House primaries. Joe Gallinaro reports.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”
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While the Supreme Court expedited the release of its ruling that declared Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional, a lawsuit seeking to reinstate the U.S. House primaries on the grounds of the process already being underway is still pending. How did we get to this point? Tyler Bridges, a political report for The Advocate, says it all started with a lawsuit filed by a group of voters who didn’t like the current map.
In fact, even though Governor Landry cancelled the House primary last Thursday, the races still appear on voting machines.
Meanwhile, bills had previously been filed to address the state’s congressional map in case a Supreme Court ruling came down during the session, and the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public discussion Friday. Bridges says whatever new map is adopted will likely lead to the ouster of Cleo Fields, Troy Carter – or both.
Cut 4 (09) “…Black Democratic seats.”
Bridges says once a new map is adopted, the U.S. House election process would start all over again, and time will be of the essence.
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Two of the main candidates in the U.S. Senate Republican primary faced off in a 90-minute debate during the Moon Griffon Show. Congresswoman Julia Letlow immediately went after Senator Bill Cassidy, who was not at the debate. She says it was a horrible decision by Cassidy to vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
State Treasurer John Fleming used this opportunity to criticize Letlow for not coming out publicly and questioning the result of the 2020 Presidential race.
Cut 7 (14) “…disagree with that.”
Fleming has been on the receiving end of a third-party attack ad associated with Governor Jeff Landry that accuses the former congressman of being weak on border security. The attack ad has video of Fleming saying there are not enough illegal aliens in the U.S. when talking about the need for migrant workers. Fleming used today’s debate to say he’s all for secure borders.
Cut 8 (14) “…dismal 65-percent.”
Letlow has been accused of being in favor of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The congresswoman says she has actually spent the last five years working against the D-E-I movement.
Cut 9 (15) “…holding people down.”
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After Governor Landry suspended the U.S. House primary elections following last Wednesday’s Supreme Court ruling, two Baton Rouge residents have launched a recall campaign against him. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Louisiana is one of 19 states which permit the recall of governors.
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Marian Hills and Kaitlyn Stepter filed the petition following what supporters say is a pattern of actions and statements that undermine fair representation. Hogan says they now have until October 31st to collect more than 500-thousand signatures from voters throughout the state, accounting for 20-percent of all registered voters in the state.
If they’re able to get enough signatures, local election officials must verify the signatures; and if the number of verified signatures reaches the required number, a recall election against Landry will be triggered. Hogan says even if it gets to that point, it’s unlikely that it will be successful.
Cut 12 (11) “…his redistricting efforts.”
In the history of the U.S., only four gubernatorial recall efforts have ever made it to the voters. North Dakota voters ousted Lynn Frazier in 2021, and California voters kicked Gray Davis out of office in 2003. Nine years later, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker survived a recall effort against him; and in 2021, California voters kept Gavin Newsom in office.