AM Newscall 01.22.19

In November a town voted a convicted felon into office, and and now he’s being disqualified from holding the office due to an amendment that was on that same ballot…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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According to la-politics-dot-com, former 4th District congressman John Fleming is considering a run at the governor’s mansion.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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If you’re feeling down about the Saints getting robbed and need a sugar pick-me-up, Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans has a cookie you might want to sink your teeth into…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Pecan farmers are losing crops due to bad weather, and losing lots of profits too. This year marks the fifth consecutive year growers are seeing weather take its toll on the industry.  Ouachita Parish grower Abraham Lincoln Fowler says in years past, the blame has fallen on lack of rain, mistimed rain, but this year, it’s been the abundance of rain to hurt growers.

Cut 4 (09) “…soured and ruined.”

Fowler says the five year stretch is the longest stretch of bad weather his family business has scene in it’s history.

Cut 5 (08) “…been this bad.”

Fowler says there isn’t much that can be done when there is so much rain, as bringing out equipment with ground saturation would result in long lasting damage to the orchards.

Cut 6 (07) “…too much rain.”

Fowler says all he can do is continue to wait for better weather.

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The man who was elected mayor of the Town of Ball last fall, and then disqualified from serving due to his criminal conviction when a new amendment went into effect, is challenging that decision in appellate court. Roy Hebron, who was convicted for FEMA Fraud in 2011, unseated the incumbent. Loyola Law Professor Dane Cioino says even though he ran before the amendment went into effect…

Cut 7 (09) “…public office.”

A majority of voters, approved an amendment in November barring convicted felons from running for, or holding office for five years after their sentence.

The mayor’s race and felon amendment were on the same ballot, and Hebron is arguing he should keep the seat because he ran and won, and had the results certified under the previous law, before the amendment went into effect in December. Ciolino says the district court disagreed…

Cut 8 (08) “…an argument”

The suit against Hebron was filed by the outgoing Mayor Neil Kavanaugh.

It’s an interesting question, made all the more interesting by the fact that Hebron, a convicted felon, scored 56 percent in a three way race, while every precinct in the Town of Ball voted for the convicted felon restriction by comfortable to overwhelming margins. Ciolino says the timing is interesting, but…

Cut 9 (12) “…hold office″

Ball is just north of Alexandria.

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A former 4th District congressman is considering jumping into the race for governor.  According to several sources, John Fleming, who currently serves the deputy assistant secretary of health information technology reform, has not given a timetable for making a final decision.  LSU Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says the news is surprising considering the timing of the news.

Cut 10 (06) “going to run.”

Sadow says Fleming has been out of Congress for four years.  While his current position is viewed as a big deal in Washington, Sadow doesn’t foresee the position as being viewed in the same light to Louisiana voters.

Cut 11 (12) “…for the Republicans.”

Sadow says you may see some minor candidates hop into the race, but he says the likelihood of any other major candidates is probably low.

Cut 12 (06) “…to say Abraham.”

Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham are still the only two candidates to have officially entered the race.

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Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is helping Saints fan mourn their stolen season with the  “no ref” cookie that puts the Saints/Rams head referee’s face on a sugary treat that you can take a bite out of. While grieving the loss yesterday, co-owner David Haydel says they decided to express their frustration with a little creativity in the oven…

Cut 13 (11) “…to get them.”

Head ref Bill Vinovich is displayed prominently on the front of the confection, and Haydel say’s taking that first bite might make you feel a bit better about the Bayou Burglary.

Cut 14 (07) “…vengeance there”

The baker says it’s similar to another highly popular cookie option at the Bakery, the seasonally available Alabama/LSU game treat…

Cut 15 (09) “…cookies”

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The Saints are beginning the process of trying to move on from a disappointing finish to the 2018 season. It seemed like New Orleans was destined to play in the franchise’s second Super Bowl only to see those dreams fall apart with an overtime loss to the Rams in the NFC Championship game. Cornerback PJ Williams says they have to look forward and not back…

Cut 16 (16)  “..its over

Saints owner Gayle Benson says she’s throughly disappointed by the no call on the pass interference the NFL says should have been called against the Rams in the final two minutes of regulation. But Williams says they can’t blame the result of the game entirely on the officials…

 cut 17 (18)   “..better so” 

Sunday’s lost in the NFC Divisional Round last season in heart breaking fashion on a last second touchdown pass against the Vikings. Linebacker Craig Robertson says this team knows how to bounce back…

Cut 18 (11)   even more” 

Saints linebacker DeMario Davis says they need to process the end of this season the right away in order to make another run at a Super Bowl next season…

Cut 19 (19)   “…be better”

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Cut 20 (18) “…every day”