Posted on 01/31/2004 6:39:37 PM PST by deport
January 30. 2004 12:00AM
Tauzin likely will not run for 14th term
By Jeremy J. Alford
Daily Comet Capitol Correspondent
BATON ROUGE – A spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin said this morning that the 13-term congressmen from Chackbay is leaning more toward leaving office than ever, but his choice of a successor is concrete.
“(Tauzin) probably won’t run again given the fact that he’s term limited as (House and Energy Commerce) chairman and given the fact he’s had health concerns recently,” said Ken Johnson, Tauzin’s spokesman. “He’s pretty much closed the door on running for re-election. He hasn’t completely made up his mind, but he’s leaning in that direction … In the next couple of weeks, he’ll return to Louisiana to make an announcement”
Tauzin has suffered from a bleeding ulcer over the past month, losing massive amounts of blood at times. Johnson said the scare has made Tauzin re-evaluate his life, and all future decisions are being based on his health.
Although the decision to step down seems all but settled, Tauzin has already decided whom to endorse when the time comes.
“When Billy decides to leave public office, whether it’s three months from now or three years, he will support Hunt Downer to replace him in Congress,” Johnson said. “They are longtime friends and colleagues and Billy has the greatest support for Hunt as a human being.”
Downer, a former state representative and candidate for governor, has been thrown in the mix with a number of other names eyeing the 3rd Congressional District. The likelihood of a Downer endorsement all but guarantees the field will lessen, with recent rumors of a run by Billy Tauzin III dying down.
Those who have expressed interest in the race also include slew of state lawmakers: Sen. Reggie Dupre, D-Bourg; Rep. Damon Baldone, D-Houma; Rep. Troy Hebert, D-Jeanerette; and Rep. Gary Smith, D-Norco.
But political observers such as John Maginnis, an independent journalist and author on Louisiana politics, believe a strong showing could be posted by not only Downer, a Republican, but also Charlie Melancon of Napoleonville, president of the American Sugar Cane League and former state representative. Melacon has expressed interest in the race.
“Melacon looks like he could be the strongest Democrat,” Maginnis said. “It’s different from the governor’s race. You have some homeboys now. Melancon is known throughout the district, he’s a Democrat and the sugar issue has worked out for him … It would be a very competitive race for Hunt, but at least this time he’ll be the top Republican.”
Maginnis is hesitant to tout the endorsement as a victory for Downer, who also had Tauzin’s support in his run for governor last year when he garnered just 6 percent of the vote statewide.
“How much weight did it carry in the governor’s race?” Maginnis asked. “If you look in the 3rd District, he carried Terrebonne and barely carried Lafourche … The point is Hunt didn’t do great in the 3rd District. He didn’t sweep the 3rd. I question how strong Tauzin’s endorsement was. Getting out and raising money is what’s important. I didn’t see too much of that from Tauzin or any of Downer’s rich friends.”
Downer is obviously receptive to an endorsement from Tauzin, but he contends he wants Tauzin to stay in office.
“I do not want Billy to leave,” Downer said. “There would be a loss of seniority and I have nothing but respect for him.”
Tauzin’s exit would be a political drain on Louisiana with longtime U.S. Sen. John Breaux, D-Crowley, retiring and open congressional seats poised for newcomers. The move will surely affect, among other things, Louisiana’s effort to procure a substantial authorization for coastal restoration.
“The fact of the matter is Billy is still in there fighting for the energy bill and we’re still hopeful of getting it done this year,” Johnson said. “The sad fact is this may be our last best hope of getting any significant money for a long time due to the federal government’s financial problems.”
Statewide officials announced this week that a comprehensive plan to save the coast, estimated to be between $7 billion and $14 billion, will not be ready for the federal Water Resources Act. Among the remaining last-ditch efforts is the energy bill. As such, many are expecting coastal restoration to be a major issue if Tauzin’s seat should become open.
If and when Tauzin does step down, his future is unclear. Johnson said his boss turned down a lobbying job with the Motion Picture Association of America due to health concerns that might arise during the intense traveling required. But a similar position with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a trade group that represents Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson, among others, is not out of the question.
“(Tauzin) hasn’t made up his mind,” Johnson said. “He’s thinking about something that will require a little less travel and a little less stress.”
Tauzin is in Philadelphia for a four-day Republican leadership retreat and was unavailable for comment.
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