Louisiana AFL-CIO endorses Democrats Ieyoub, Landrieu, Foti

Shreveport, LA, Times | 07-22-03 | Hill, John

[Theodore R.]

La. AFL-CIO endorses Ieyoub, Landrieu, Foti John Hill Posted on July 22, 2003

BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana AFL-CIO endorses Attorney General Richard Ieyoub's bid this fall to succeed Gov. Mike Foster.

Union officials announced the endorsement Monday following a closed convention Saturday during which some 200 leaders from throughout the state heard sales pitches from Ieyoub, a former Lake Charles district attorney, Lt. Gov. Kathleen Blanco of Lafayette, former Senate President Randy Ewing of Quitman and former state Rep. Claude "Buddy" Leach of Lake Charles.

State AFL-CIO President Red Bourg said those four candidates for governor in the Oct. 4 primary election are the only ones who survived a screening process to be invited to the convention.

"This is the first time the AFL-CIO has endorsed before qualifying. This will give us enough time to really do the work we need to do."

The state headquarters and its locals will provide telephone bank workers to call voters, send out newsletters and provide forums for local union members.

The AFL-CIO also endorsed state Rep. Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans for lieutenant governor, Orleans Criminal Sheriff Charles Foti for attorney general and incumbent Robert Wooley for insurance commissioner. Those are the only four statewide offices for which there are foreseen major opponents. Qualifying will be held Aug. 19-21.

And the union endorsed the re-election of Secretary of State Fox McKeithen, the only Republican among its preferred candidates, state Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom and state Treasurer John Kennedy.

The union's help could be critical in a tight race, as it was in getting out the vote for U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu in her December victory over challenger Suzanne Haik Terrell, state elections commissioner and a candidate for attorney general.

"The AFL-CIO is not as important as it was 30 years ago. But it is an experienced political organization in terms of phone banks and turnout," said Wayne Parent, chairman of LSU's political science department. "In this race, it might be particularly helpful as there are several strong Democrats."

Bourg said the deciding issues for union members are health care, education and a "living wage," which is several dollars higher than the state and federal minimum wage of $5.15 an hour.

Ieyoub said that he has no plans to propose legislation providing a living wage but that he would support a bill providing for a state minimum wage that is $1 higher than the federal minimum if the Legislature would adopt such a standard.

He said he would provide "leadership to bring together working people, business leaders and state government" for economic development. "Louisiana will be the comeback state."

Landrieu, the only other endorsee to attend Monday's announcement at the state headquarters, said it is "critically important the labor and business work together" to create "a business-friendly environment" in Louisiana.

"There is a wonderful convergence in this state focusing on economic development. Louisiana is on the verge of a renaissance."

Ewing pitches economic plan

Former state Senate President Randy Ewing, D-Quitman, held two news conferences Monday in North Louisiana - including one in Shreveport - to announce what he calls part of a new strategic plan to create 200,000 jobs.

Ewing said he can increase road improvement and construction without raising existing taxes. His plan includes a commitment to build 500 miles and resurface 3,000 miles of roads.

He said he would call for additional bond sales backed by existing gasoline taxes. "With the low-interest climate the nation is in now, the state can get extremely favorable rates on bonds. This will allow us to build highways faster and cheaper without increasing taxes on our citizens."

Ewing also said he would restructure the state Department of Transportation and Development to include incentives for private contractors and department employees to complete highway construction ahead of schedule and below cost estimates.

- The Associated Press

[fieldmarshaldj]

UFO-CIA endorses Meeny, Miny, and Moe, film at 11.

[Impy]

Good news for Ieyboub I suppose that he beat out Blanco.

Did they endorse McKeithen cause they like him or because his only opponent is another Republican?

[Theodore R.]

I did not know that a Republican is challenging McKeithen. Who is he? A token candidate, I presume? The unions may have chosen Fox McKeithen out of memory of his late hugely Democrat father. In fact, Fox's daughter is also a Democrat who is expected to make a second congressional bid in the near future. She nearly unseated Rep. Richard Baker, R-LA, in either 1998 or 2000.

[Impy]

http://www.politics1.com/la.htm

Wray Anderson (R) - GOP Activist, Businessman & '99 Elections Commissioner Candidate Just an also-ran.