LRN PM Newscall March 4

Three candidates have now surfaced to fill the fifth district congressional seat being left up for grabs by the retiring Ralph Abraham.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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A big shakeup in the Democratic presidential nomination fight increases the chances Louisiana will have a competitive primary on April 4th. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Louisiana’s 2014 law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals went before the U-S Supreme Court today. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this is the first major abortion case for the Supreme Court since President Trump’s appointment of two conservative judges…

Cut 3 (11)  “…Roe vs Wade”  

A ruling is expected in June. Pro-life advocates say the law ensures the health and safety of the mother. But opponents argue the new regulation would close two of the state’s three abortion clinics. Ciolino on what the justices have to consider…

cut 4 (08) “…seeking abortions”

Reporters who attended today’s hearing say the court appears divided and Chief Justice John Roberts could be the deciding vote.  A federal appeals court in New Orleans upheld the law. Ciolino could see the Supreme Court affirming that ruling, but not overturning Roe versus Wade…

Cut 5 (10)  “…versus wade.”

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A big night last night for former Vice President Joe Biden makes it likely the Democratic primary will remain competitive by the time Louisianans head to the polls April 4th.

JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says Louisianans will likely be picking between Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Elizabeth Warren in April, despite Biden’s big night…

Cut 6 (12) “…states”

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had a sizeable presence in Louisiana, dropped out and endorsed Biden this morning.

Couvillion says Biden is the new frontrunner, followed closely by Sanders, but the former VP has the edge in Louisiana…

Cut 7 (11) “…now.”

This primary cycle has seen Democratic primary turnout meet and occasionally exceed 21st-century records. Couvillon expects that trend to hold in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “…presidents.”

Republicans will also be voting in their primary April 4th.

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The US Army is investing over $26 million into Fort Polk for barracks renovations and infrastructure replacements.  Congressman Mike Johnson says he has been pushing for the investment since last year.

Cut 9 (05) “…this very need″

Johnson calls it a huge win for the soldiers at Fort Polk.

Cut 10 (07) “…are long overdue.”

Johnson says the needs were critical and this is just the beginning of continued investments.

Cut 11 (07) “…recognized that need.”

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There are now three announced candidates seeking to replace the retiring Ralph Abraham as Louisiana’s Fifth District Congressman. State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria entered the race today. Harris says after eight years in the state legislature, he’s ready to go to work with President Trump

Cut 12 (06) “…have more freedom.”

The other announced Republican is Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson, who aims to bring more federal dollars back to the fifth district.

Cut 13 (11) “…good broadband internet.”

Abraham’s chief of staff Luke Letlow is also expected to throw his hat into the ring.

Candy Christophe of Alexandria is the lone announced Democrat in the race as she classifies herself as a moderate progressive and says the people of the district are in dire need.

Cut 14 (10) “…among the darkness.”

The 5th Congressional district covers Monroe and Alexandria, plus northern parishes of Acadiana and parts of the Florida parishes.   Qualifying for the race is in July and the primary is in November.