Louisiana Politics: A Duck Dynasty candidate for lieutenant governor?

By Jeremy Alford
LaPolitics.com
Since his showing last year in the 5th Congressional District race, when he was barely edged out of the runoff, Duck Dynasty cousin Zach Dasher’s political future has been wide open — and now it includes speculation about running for the second-highest statewide Louisiana office.
“He has mounting pressure to run for lieutenant governor,” said a source close to the Republican. “He has been approached by numerous people.”
Supporters were impressed by his performance in the Florida Parishes and see his base in north Louisiana as an advantage in a contest with contenders from below I-10.
“He’s still considering it,” said the source. “He’s nowhere near a decision right now but he is taking a serious look at it.”
Already declared for the race are Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden, former Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser and Jefferson Parish President John Young.
Sen. Elbert Guillory of Opelousas has said repeatedly he will be on the ballot, but backers are still looking for him to raise more money and have a better presence on the campaign trail. Guillory said that will happen after the legislative session adjourns.

Chances unknown
for settlement cash
Last year lawmakers received a financial bounce from a pharmaceutical settlement during their regular session, making the 2014 budget crunch hurt a little less.
With a $1.6 billion shortfall to tackle in the session that convenes next week, officials are looking for something a bit more miraculous but not expecting much. On that front, few lawmakers know of any pending settlements that could surface before or during this year’s session.
Asked the same, Laura Gerdes Colligan, a spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office, could only offer the following via email: “As to pending settlements/cases, we do have several ongoing matters (investigations, negotiations and/or lawsuits) which could result in recoveries for Louisiana, but we aren’t able to make those types of predictions at this time.”

Dems building
legislative PAC
Ravi Sangesetti, a former congressional candidate and an attorney practicing in New Orleans and Houma, is launching a political action committee this spring to target seats in the Legislature, with a slight Democratic bent.
It will be called the Bayou Blue PAC, he said, with an initial goal of raising $250,000.
“We’re definitely going to be recruiting new candidates. We want new blood, regardless of party,” said Sangesetti. “But we’ll be coordinating with campaigns too.”
He said he is already working with consultant Chris Bender to get the PAC up and running.

Lawmakers strap on
their helmets
Considering all of the injuries seen from the annual basketball games, and from the last time they walked into Tiger Stadium, you’d think lawmakers might think twice about a flag football game. Even if it is for charity.
“It’s not fiscally or physically wise,” said Rep. Chris Leopold, R-Belle Chasse, one of the many organizers. “I caught a touchdown pass last time we did this and it was quite a catch. When I caught the ball I was so happy and so surprised that when I went to spike it I fell down.”
The “Truce for Troops Bowl” is being put together for the families of the Louisiana National Guardsmen who were killed in March following a tragic helicopter crash. Rep. Nick Lorusso said it’s a way to honor their lives and help their families.
It is being hosted by the House Special Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs, but they are looking for sponsors. Tickets are likewise available: $50 for adults, $10 for students and free to children 12 and under.
Kickoff is at 4 p.m. on April 19 in Tiger Stadium, with gates opening at 2 p.m. and a reception afterwards.
To get involved call (504) 483-4711 or send an email to larep094@legis.la.gov.

Elected officials
receive endorsements
In an early sign that U.S. Sen. David Vitter may be preparing to release a monster list of endorsements from elected officials in every corner of Louisiana government, sources are reporting the receipt of a form letter from the man himself asking for a signature.
It reads: “Your support is critical to our success, and I would be honored to earn your endorsement.”
In the letter, Vitter asks elected officials to detach and fill out a card with all of their pertinent information. And, as he usually does, Vitter provides his personal cell phone number.
Campaign spokesperson Luke Bolar said it’s too early to fully gauge the response, but added, “It’s been pretty solid so far.”
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com or follow Jeremy Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.

By Jeremy Alford
LaPolitics.com