What actions will the Republican Party take with the Governor’s race now that Senator John Kennedy is staying put in his current position, with no Plan B candidate? Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says today’s national day of mourning is an opportunity to reflect on how the country has changed since Bush Sr.’s term…
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Former Baton Rouge Congressman Henson Moore fondly remembers the late George HW Bush, who will be laid to rest today…
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The 2019 Governor’s race took a turn that blindsided many when Senator John Kennedy announced he would not be challenging Governor Edwards. Republicans are in a scramble to find a candidate with less than a year until the election. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says there’s a reason why the GOP didn’t have a Plan B candidate.
While several names have been discussed including Congressman Ralph Abraham, Attorney General Jeff Landry, State Treasurer John Schroder, and Senator Sharon Hewitt of Slidell, Fletcher says they all face a similar obstacle.
Cut 5 (09) “…somebody with nobody.”
There is one Republican in the race and that’s Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, who has been relatively quiet since announcing his candidacy. Fletcher says that if Rispone needed something good to happen for him to start cutting checks, that something is Kennedy’s exclusion from the race.
Cut 6 (08) “…out there spending.”
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Today is a national day of mourning in honor of the passing of George HW Bush, the 41st President who served from 89-93. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says it’s interesting to note how many federal services are shuttered today, and adds that it’s likely due to a good dose of nostalgia.
Bush only served one term after losing his re-election bid to then Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton in 92, but helmed the country through a monumental shift in world power. Hogan says being the most prominent world figure at the moment the Berlin Wall fell sealed Bush in the eyes of many as one of the nation’s more prominent Presidents.
Ultimately most analysts agree that Bush Sr.’s famed congeniality and bipartisanship is what cost him a second term. After his famous Superdome “Read my Lips, no new taxes” speech, Bush ultimately did raise taxes marginally. Hogan says this was a turning point in American politics, as many Republicans abandoned Bush afterward.
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President George H.W. Bush’s funeral will be held today, with leaders from across the world paying homage to the 41st President of the United States. The former Commander in Chief gave his eventful “Read my lips, no new taxes” speech at the GOP convention in New Orleans in 88, and in 92’ his Deputy Chief of Staff Henson Moore says Bush held one of the last rallies of his career in Baton Rouge.
Moore is a former Baton Rouge Congressman, and Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Energy.
A little over a day later, Bush lost the 92’ election to President Bill Clinton, ending his tenure after only one term. Despite a tough election, Henson Clinton and Bush would later become close friends who worked together to raise money after Hurricane Katrina.
The veteran served in WWII, as a Congressman, as the Director of the CIA, and as Vice President for Ronald Reagan.
Bush was known for his congenial demeanor and interest in working with some who didn’t always see eye to eye with the former Texas Congressman. Moore says his bi-partisanship was one of his best qualities.
Bush passed away November 30th at the age of 94.
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The State Fire Marshal’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its K-9 officers. The 10 year old black lab, named Barry, had been with the agency since 2012. Barry came to the State Fire Marshal from the US Marine Corp where he served two tours of duty overseas. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Barry died following a surgery to remove a large mass in his stomach.
Cut 13 (07) “…those surgical complications.”
Barry had served along with his handler Cpl. Mitch Trahan in the Lafayette and Alexandria area. Rodrigue says they were used for various purposes including detection sweeps at major events, public facilities, and educational campuses.
Cut 14 (07) “…locating explosive devices.”
In 2014, Barry and his handler Cpl. Mitch Trahan were recognized as the K-9 Team of the Year. Rodrigue says Trahan is heartbroken and very emotional over the loss.