Posted on 02/15/2006 12:48:42 PM PST by CajunConservative
Reported by the Associated Press
Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom says that he has lost confidence in Governor Kathleen Blanco's ability to lead and is trying to convince retired U.S. Senator John Breaux to run for her seat in 2007.
When asked if he thought Blanco could turn the state around, Odom said, "No, I don't."
Odom made his remarks after a speech he delivered during a West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the West Monroe Convention Center.
Odom said he and "several others" - who he didn't identify - were putting together a poll that they hope to use to convince Breaux to run.
Breaux, who retired from the Senate in 2005, works for the Washington lobbying firm Patton Boggs. His spokesman Brian Hale said Breaux was aware of Odom's efforts but offered no further comment.
Blanco has consistently said that she will seek re-election.
Blanco and Odom have been at odds since she blocked his attempt to build an $85 million sugar mill in Bunkie. Without Blanco's support, the state Bond Commission never approved the project.
Odom said he has talked to Breaux and that the former senator is interested.
If you would like on or off the Louisiana Ping list please FReepmail me and your name will be added or taken off of the list.
Anything's better than what they have now...........
Darn right. I mean ODOM is the the main leader of the democractic party. If he is coming out against her she has no shot. She will have to pretend she will run for political reasons but I dont think she will. John Breaux would be a tough one to beat.
Breaux was one of three Dems in the Senate that did not make me want to vomit on sight of them. I am happy that his seat went to a Republican in 04 though :)
Blanco's toast.
I don't agree with a lot of what John Breaux does but I do know that he is at least competent enough to handle the mess we are in. I would rather see him at the helm than say about 99% of the dems wanting to run for the office.
He's one of the Dems I could really like..........
One problem is no matter what you think of Blanco until the election her lack of power is disturbing. I posted elsewhere that during the general session she will have use the threat of her line item veto to get control of the legislature. I have never seen a legislature in such revolt and thats not necessarly a good thing. Esp since the bills that Blanco was trying to get through are needed
Yes he would be very tough to beat but at least he's one of the smarter dems. I would rather him than Landrieu any day.
At least if the choice is between him and Jindal, there would at least be leadership and someone who can work with both sides to get things done whoever would win.
Time to 'trank' her up, again.
Yeah if Breaux runs JIndal might need to consider running against Mary Landrieu. I would love to see him as Governor but this might be our one chance to take Mary Landrieu out. Of course I know Jindal seems to want to be Governor very badly which does impress me. I amnot sure how a Breaux/Jindal reace would turn out. Prob too close to call.
I understand where you are coming from. It's not good but at least the only bright spot is the message that is being sent out that the mess we are in is serious and we need someone who can lead. If they are pushing for Breaux then that means the state dems understand just how dire things are.
At least Breaux is smart, competent and knows how to work with people. If we stay dem at least let it be a smart one. I am a realist.
I think Jindal would soundly lose against Breaux, but I sure like the idea of a Jindal/Landrieu Senate race!
One good thing is Jindal is still young. Taking Miz Mary out of the picture would definitely be a good thing. If the choice is between Breaux and Jindal then there's at least confidence of competence at the helm.
Sorry - don't know anything about the people involved, but the headline somehow made me think of 'cheese'! <:-)
To give you an overview. Bob Odom is a Dem that been Agriculture Secretary here since the time of MOSES. He is prob the most powerful Democrat in Louisiana. THe animosity between he and Blanco is indeed real and in fact Blanco was on the right side of it. John Breaux is universally liked by many however saying that he does not have the the same "star power" as he once did. However I suspect business interest as well as the big powers in DC would back him.
Odom is rotten to the core. He has ulterior motives.
>>I think Jindal would soundly lose against Breaux, but I sure like the idea of a Jindal/Landrieu Senate race!<<
No doubt! I'd much rather have Jindal as our senator.
I agree with you there.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.