In exactly one year, candidates will officially be able to qualify for the 2015 Governor’s race. So far, Republicans Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and US Senator David Vitter have declared candidacy. The only announced Democrat, so far, is State Representative John Bel Edwards. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says even though Edwards is not well known throughout the state, there are plenty who will pull the lever for the “D” no matter what…

cut 9 (12) “statewide election”

Democratic New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is a rumored candidate.

State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving an off-duty Slidell Police Officer who may have been drunk when the crash occurred. They say 31-year-old John Cole was driving when he lost control of the vehicle and flipped into a ditch. His passenger, 31-year-old Daniel Hanlon of Slidell, was pronounced dead at the scene. Cole was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in serious condition. Impairment is suspected on part of the officer.

Supporters of gay marriage in Louisiana have filed an appeal with the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the ruling last week by a federal judge who upheld Louisiana’s ban on same sex marriage. But Tulane Constitutional Law Professor Keith Werhan says the US Supreme Court will likely rule on this issue and put to rest the argument over whether states have the right to define what constitutes a marriage…

cut 11 (08) “ends in June”

He says the Supreme Court ruling will likely come before the federal appeals court has a chance.

The California Legislature approved a bill that would more than triple the funding for their film credit program. What impact will this have on “Hollywood South”? Louisiana Entertainment Executive Director Chris Stelly doesn’t think it will threaten the states film industry…

cut 13 (08) “and nations”

He says Louisiana has built a great infrastructure for TV and film production over the past 10 years.