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Posted on 12/11/2005 3:18:48 PM PST by caryatid
Three independent sources have informed us that former U.S. Senator John Breaux is telling political insiders that he is in fact running for Governor.
Breaux, a darling of the courthouse crowd, is seen by Democratic Party operatives as the only hope of keeping them in the mansion and shoring up the down ballot statewide incumbent’s political futures.
Breaux began his career as an understudy to then Congressman Edwin W. Edwards and followed him in that Acadiana district seat serving many years prior to his election to the Senate.
Breaux’s most famous political quote came in the context of a deal he cut back in his days in the House of Representatives, when he got breaks for Louisiana in a 1981 tax bill. Breaux said then that his vote was not for sale, but "it is available for rent."
This quip has been used in dozens of national news stories contributing to our dismal public image even before Hurricane Katrina coverage.
Another pithy line is attributed to Breaux, “It's always dangerous to read legislation you're about to pass.”
John Breaux's philosophy has been described as a “Moderate Liberal Populist.”
For a detailed overview of his voting record:
While in the Senate Breaux was a recipient of the “Golden Leash Award” from the group Public Campaign a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to sweeping reform that aims to dramatically reduce the role of big special interest money in American politics.
The “Golden Leash” is a symbol of the ties between special interest money and elected officials. It is awarded to Members of Congress who demonstrate egregious conduct in the quid pro quo practice of dollar democracy.
“This award serves as a reminder of Senator Breaux's using his position in the Senate to promote special favors for his ‘cash constituents’ at the expense of his real constituents back home, and the American people.”
“Then-Representative John Breaux (D-La.) quipped that his vote couldn't be bought, but "it can be rented." During his years in Congress, first as a representative, then as a senator, Breaux has proven he is a man of his word.”
A Quick Peek at Breaux’s Philosophy and Voting Record:
Breaux Supports Hyde Park Declaration of "Third Way" centrism. Breaux signed the manifesto, "A New Politics for a New America":
“As New Democrats, we believe in a Third Way that rejects the old left-right debate and affirms America’s basic bargain: opportunity for all, responsibility from all, and community of all. We believe: that abortion should be safe, legal, and rare.” [Source: The Hyde Park Declaration 00-DLC0 on Aug 1, 2000].
“The Third Way works to build inclusive, multiethnic societies based on common allegiance to democratic values.” [ Source: Democratic Leadership Council web site 01-DLC1 on Nov 7, 2000 ]
John Breaux on Tax Reform
Rated 36% by NTU, indicating a "Big Spender" on tax votes.
Every year National Taxpayers Union (NTU) rates U.S. Representatives and Senators on their actual votes—every vote that significantly affects taxes, spending, debt, and regulatory burdens on consumers and taxpayers. Source: NTU website 03n-NTU on Dec 31, 2003
John Breaux on Environment Rated 11% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes.
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the political voice of the national environmental movement and the only organization devoted full-time to shaping a pro-environment Congress and White House. Source: LCV website 03n-LCV on Dec 31, 2003
John Breaux on Health Care
Rated 50% by APHA, indicating a mixed record on public health issues.
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world, representing more than 50,000 members from over 50 occupations of public health. [ Source: APHA website 03n-APHA on Dec 31, 2003 ]
John Breaux on Families & Children
Rated 50% by the Christian Coalition: mixed voting record on families.
The Christian Coalition was founded in 1989 by Dr. Pat Robertson to give Christians a voice in government. “We represent millions of people of faith and enable them to have a strong, unified voice in the conversation we call democracy.”
Rated 30% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record.
Breaux scores 30% by the ARA on senior issues
The mission of the Alliance for Retired Americans is to ensure social and economic justice and full civil rights for all citizens so that they may enjoy lives of dignity, personal and family fulfillment and security. Source: ARA website 03n-ARA on Dec 31, 2003
John Breaux on Education
Breaux scores 91% by the NEA on public education issues
To fulfill the promise of a democratic society, the National Education Association shall promote the cause of quality public education and advance the profession of education; expand the rights and further the interest of educational employees; and advocate human, civil, and economic rights for all. [ Source: NEA website 03n-NEA on Dec 31 2003]
John Breaux on Drugs
Voted NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses.
Vote to increase penalties on certain drug-related crimes. The amendment would specifically target the manufacturing or trafficking of amphetamines & methamphetamines and possession of powder cocaine, and set stronger penalties for dealing drugs. Bill S.625 ; vote number 1999-360 on Nov 10, 1999
LPNS COMMENTARY: Senator turned Lobbyist Breaux seems to us like a feeble effort by the Democratic hierarchy. He’s just more of the same old, same old.
John Breaux is politics-as-usual with a vengeance, definitely not what we need now!
Breaux’s most famous political quote came in the context of a deal he cut back in his days in the House of Representatives, when he got breaks for Louisiana in a 1981 tax bill. Breaux said then that his vote was not for sale, but "it is available for rent."Hold on to your hats, boys and girls ... this could be interesting.This quip has been used in dozens of national news stories contributing to our dismal public image even before Hurricane Katrina coverage.
[...]
Another pithy line is attributed to Breaux, “It's always dangerous to read legislation you're about to pass.”
[...]
John Breaux is politics-as-usual with a vengeance, definitely not what [Louisiana] need[s] now!
** Louisiana PING **
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Breaux's going to have to be a whole lot more conservative than he was before in order to get eleected.
Bye Bye Blanco.
What honest hope do the Republicans have in the LA Gov. race? Is there a viable contender?
Wonderful. Just what LA needs. < /dripping sarcasm>
The sad thing is - he'll probably be elected.
I wonder if they'll try to run Bobby Jindal again. He lost to Blanco last time.
I hope we do. I voted for him last time and would do it again. I don't think there is any way Blanco gets re-elected whether Breaux runs or not.
Breaux to save drowning 'Rats in LA, film at 11.
Ping.
Enough said.
I agree. MeeMaw is toast. However, the GOP had best pull out all the stops if they want to win this time around.
Breaux is good at convincing La dumbasses he is conservative, but when the chips were down and Ted needed his vote, he got it. We don't need Neaux Meaux Breaux.
Do not forget that immediately before he went into the U S House of Rep., he was Edwin Edwards bag man...a pleasant fellow but most assuredly cut from the old Democrat bolt of cloth.
I wish I could help you all...I'm FL GOP...lol!
By the way, I like your handle. So appropriate after Katrina, too. Did you see the photos of the oil rigs and the water mocs? I am still shocked. Wish I knew how to post 'em here. I'm not up on "html powers" yet. LOL.
LOL! I haven't heard much from Jindal but a few peeps since Katrina. Wonder what he's up to.
That is not forgotten [at least not by some of us]. Wouldn't it be a hoot if Breaux would warm the governor's seat until Edwards can get a pardon, or serve out his term, and then run for election. Breaux could pardon him and/or restore his civil rights so he would be eligible.
Louisiana would believe it had died and gone to heaven if it could have Edwin Edwards as its governor one more time. He is only 80 years old ... there's still time, but they better hurry.
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