Congressman Ralph Abraham is running for governor.
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A prominent Baton Rouge businessman says he’s ready to finance a bridge over the Mississippi River. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (26) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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This morning, Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham has announced he’s entering the 2019 Governor’s race. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says North Louisiana hasn’t elected someone to the Governor’s mansion in many decades and Abraham has quite the task on his hand if he hopes to buck that trend.
Cut 3 (07) “…that well known.”
Abraham’s announcement makes him the first Republican candidate to announce that already holds an elected position to enter the race. Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone is in the race under the GOP banner as well and has already pledged $5 million of his own money to his campaign. Pinsonat says be on the lookout for a few more candidates to rise to the challenge.
Cut 4 (10) “…running for Governor.″
Pinsonat says Abraham did what he should do by making his announcement as soon as possible following the news that Senator John Kennedy would not be entering the race.
Cut 5 (10) “…10 months or so.”
Governor Edwards responded to the announcement by releasing a statement saying:
“I welcome this debate. I’ve got a consistent record of working across the aisle to get things done for Louisiana.”
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It’s the tenth year of the George Rodrigue Foundation art scholarship contest, and the namesake foundation of the famed Louisiana artist who created the iconic “Blue Dog” art featuring the state dog, the Catahoula is seeking submissions. Spokesperson Christine Dunaway says high school students from across the state can compete, with an interesting theme this year, inspired by Rodrigue’s hurricane art.
Cut 6 (11) “…express themselves”
Last year the 15 finalists were awarded 45,000 dollars in college scholarships, and had their art displayed professionally. Dunaway says it’s been an important program for art students in it’s over decade of existence.
The school with the top number of submissions will win a 1,000 dollar art kit.
Dunaway says the program is way to emphasize the importance of art classes in public education, and to show the public that those classes are not just “fluff”. She says with limited scholarship opportunities for these kinds of students, the award goes a long way.
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Monroe born and Alto based Congressman Ralph Abraham says he’s a conservative Republican, and he’s running for governor, and intends to win. He says he’s been concerned about the direction the state since Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards took over in 2015, the same year he was elected to Congress.
The former veterinarian has serves the sprawling 5th district in Congress that runs from Monroe to Alexandria, and over to Bogalusa.
The Congressman says the state has been mired in poor growth since Edwards took over, and says the Governor’s policy is driving young people out of the state.
The LSU alum and former National Guard Helicopter pilot has spent most of his career outside of south Louisiana, but looks forward to introducing himself to constituents outside of his district that incorporates pieces of 26 parishes.
He joins Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone as the only two Republicans to have officially joined the race.
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Former President of the Shaw Group Jim Bernhard says he is ready to back the loan needed to build a new bridge across the Mississippi River this morning on AM Baton Rouge. He says there is much infrastructure work that needs to be done prior to the bridge being built.
Cut 12 (08) “…get another bridge.”
The bridge does come with a hefty price tag and that’s money but the prominent businessman and one of the wealthiest people in Baton Rouge, Bernhard says his company is willing to underwrite the bonds for the project.