Posted on 01/13/2005 8:48:16 AM PST by Theodore R.
Judge makes historic party switch
By BRETT TROXLER btroxler@wbrz.com 2theadvocate.com staff From a report by WBRZ's Summer Jackson
A black judge in Baton Rouge announced Wednesday he is switching his political affiliation to the Republican Party.
A spokesman for the GOP said Lavergne's switch (first name not given) is the first time in the modern era that a black elected official made such a change.
Lavergne said the way he looks at it, he did not leave the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party left him.
"If you are labeled a Democrat you will be for more taxes, more spending by the federal government and more giveaways and you will continue to hold black people in poverty, and, as far as I'm concerned, enslavement economically," Lavergne said.
Lavergne was elected to the bench 12 years ago and had been a Democrat all his life until the switch.
"I think it's an exciting time; it's a new year and a new day in Louisiana," said Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere Jr.
Lavergne called himself a "Colin Powell Republican," saying the outgoing Secretary of State is his hero.
As reported Jan. 12 on WBRZ's 5 & 6 p.m. broadcasts. If you have information or comments related to this story, e-mail them to news@wbrz.com.
Welcome into the GOP, your honor!
The judge pronounces sentence.
Welcome to the party Judge!
WOW! That is really cool.
I think he'll appreciate Condi as well.
Another piece of GREAT NEWS for the GOP to be TOTALLY ignored by the MSM.
Watch your back, judge. Hell hath no fury like a plantation party scorned.
Expect the wolf pack to pounce.
WOW BUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What an intelligent man!!
Enlightenment Bump!
Colin Powell is a perfect example of the "big tent"; we don't have to march in lockstep on every issue. We can disagree but still respect one another. Welcome, Judge!
His name is Luke Lavergne and he has been a Family Court judge here in Baton Rouge for many years.
Baton Rouge judge becomes first black Republican public official
The Associated PressBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A family court judge in Baton Rouge has become the first black elected official to switch to the Republican Party in modern history, according to the state GOP.
Judge Luke A. Lavergne, a lifelong Democrat who was elected to the bench 12 years ago, made the announcement Wednesday of his jump to the GOP, saying the Democratic Party left him behind.
"If you are labeled a Democrat, you will be for more taxes, more spending by the federal government and more giveaways, and you will continue to hold black people in poverty, and, as far as I'm concerned, enslavement economically," Lavergne said.
Roger Villere, chairman of the state Republican Party, said he believes Lavergne's switch will be the start of a growing trend of black leaders changing parties.
Wish I could be there when the Reverend Jackson (Rush pronunciation) hears about this.
This news must irk Ted Kennedy, coming so shortly after he warned Democrats to toe the line.
Wow! Welcome to the Republican party, Judge.
It's about time that the Black Community started waking up to the Poverty Pimps that want to hold them down...
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sounds like he read Zell's book..
Let 'em scorn him. We here in Louisiana are joining the Republican party hand over fist down here. We've had it with the Socialist Democratic Party. (SDP)
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