Republicans grapple with Cassidy endorsement question

With incumbent U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu watching from afar, and with a united Democratic Party in her corner, the fight to get the GOP officially behind Congressman Bill Cassidy is gaining just as much momentum as it is hushed controversy.
The war is currently being fought on the page, with the first missive — mailed last month — coming from Dr. Tommy French of Baton Rouge, who’s asking his colleagues on the Republican State Central Committee to sign a petition. Sources tell LaPolitics he has captains in each region of the state collecting signatures in an effort to get the executive committee to vote on the matter.
In response, state Rep. Paul Hollis of Covington penned his own letter to RSCC members and Republican elected officials. “There are those who are trying to ‘clear the field’ for their preferred candidate by putting pressure on elected officials and party activists,” he wrote in a letter mailed in March. “I sincerely believe this is a serious mistake.”
Retired Air Force Col. Rob Maness, also jockeying for attention from Republicans for his bid, said he was “confused” as to why there’s even an effort under way.
“I’ve also seen polling that indicates Congressman Cassidy isn’t even as strong a candidate against Sen. Landrieu as a generic Republican. So that’s also odd,” Maness said. “But then again, our party leadership has a woeful record of nominating poor candidates to run against — and ultimately lose to — Mary Landrieu.”
Party leaders counter it’s a byproduct of the open primary process and that Cassidy’s fundraising for the current quarter that’s coming to a close will help his viability shine.
“Assuming his money and Mary’s money are at the same levels they’ve been, his campaign finance report will make this all the more easier,” said a party insider.
With Landrieu reserving $2.6 million in airtime beginning this month, the state and national parties are eager to get involved and spend money on Cassidy. Right now they can only spread money over the field, but an endorsement would allow the party to focus its resources.
Then there’s “Rule 11,” which allows the RNC to financially get behind a candidate if the party chairman, committeeman and committeewoman all sign an endorsement letter. Sources, however, say all are not in agreement.
Roger Villere, chairman of the state party since 2004, said only, “It’s a process.”
What’s more likely to happen first, some believe, is that a majority of signatures will be collected through French’s drive and the executive committee will meet, probably using telecommunications, and vote well ahead of the RSCC’s regularly scheduled June meeting.
“They really don’t even need to do that, get the signatures,” said a source. “There are no rules in regard to endorsements. Only a practice.”
If the big nod is delivered for Cassidy, it could empower Hollis to become the anti-establishment candidate on the right, where Maness set up shop long ago. But more than anything else, it’s a sign of things to come for Louisiana Republicans.
GOP may be forced
to pick in other races
With Republican registration picking up and GOP candidates running for and claiming more offices, the volatile process of having to pick a favorite child in a high-profile race is here to stay.
Sources say the chess pieces are already being moved around for U.S. Sen. David Vitter’s run for governor.
“I can’t imagine David Vitter not pushing for it next year,” said a party source. “He’ll be able to use the same (Republican State Central Committee members) that are helping Bill Cassidy get his endorsement sewn up.”
Those watching Cassidy’s race closely suspect Vitter has a hand in helping him get the party’s backing. Yet Cassidy’s stealth campaign won’t present the same kind of challenges Vitter will face in trying to edge out Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne for the party’s endorsement in 2015.
“I think those two guys are just going to have to slug it out and see what happens,” a source said.
Mrs. EWE will help
count money
In advance of fundraising for his 6th Congressional District run, former Gov. Edwin Edwards has filed his statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission. Listed as the assistant treasurer for the Friends of Edwin W. Edwards account is possibly one of his best, wife Trina Edwards.
Rachelle Marks of Arnaudville signed the document as the campaign’s lead treasurer. Postlewaite & Netterville may be handling compliance, though, as the FEC report was mailed from its Baton Rouge office.
Harson claims he’s victim of “rumor” campaign
District Attorney Mike Harson of Lafayette told LaPolitics he is “definitely” seeking re-election this fall, despite a well-funded challenge from his former assistant district attorney Keith Stutes.
“I’ve heard the rumors and they are not true,” Harson said. “I’m running. Why would I be raising all this money? Just to have to return it to people?”
Harson added that his campaign finance account will have collected nearly $500,000 by the beginning of June, if not more — a sizable amount for a district attorney’s race.
Stutes, who recently produced his first TV spot, reported having more than $200,000 in the bank earlier this year.
According to The Advertiser of Lafayette, Harson also mailed out a letter to constituents recently apologizing for “the involvement of three employees in a bribery scheme” and asking them not to let it cloud their election decisions.
The ongoing investigation over DWI cases has not been connected back to Harson directly.
In a prepared statement sent to LaPolitics, Stutes said he asked Harson about the program that led to the investigation when he worked for the district attorney.
“The investigation and its results brought shame and embarrassment to the office. We did not receive an explanation, nor a response, much less an apology,” Stutes said. “He claims that he has been ‘cleared’ by the investigations, but has yet to explain how a criminal conspiracy, centered on a special program he created and in which his approval was required in every single case, could have gone on without his knowledge and consent.”
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com or follow Maginnis and Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.

They Said It
“I don’t think there is anywhere left to carry a gun.”
—Rep. Barbara Norton on a bill allowing concealed carry permit holders to bring guns into bars
“I don’t know that I necessarily trust legislators with guns.”
—Sen. J.P. Morrell on legislation allowing lawmakers to carry guns
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com or follow Maginnis and Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.