Former US Representative Joseph Cao (Gow) has entered the race for the US Senate seat that will vacated by David Vitter. Eight well-known candidates are now in the race. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says fundraising may be the defining factor in this race because so many candidates are competing for limited funds in the state…:
CUT 6 (07) “dropping out”
Cross says Republicans John Kennedy, Charles Boustany and John Fleming are favorites to make the runoff. Democrats Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard are also candidates in the US Senate Race.

Governor John Bel Edwards continues to press lawmakers on his proposals to increase taxes in order to fill the more than $900 million dollar shortfall this special session which must end a week from today. Legislators are in a holding pattern right now as the House postpones tax votes. GOP leadership is hesitant to increase taxes, because they would like to see more cuts in government spending. The Senate approved the one cent state sales tax on Tuesday.

Gas prices are starting to rise as refineries conduct maintenance in preparation for the busy driving summer season. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average has increased four cents since last week and this uptick is typical for this time of year….
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Redman says refineries are also slowing production in response to abundant supply of gas.

Duck Dynasty fans are celebrating the show’s 100th episode today at Duck Commander in West Monroe. The one hour finale of season 9 airs tonight at 8pm on A&E. The Robertson’s are already in the process of filming season 10.