(Ex-LA Lt Gov) Schwegmann switches to GOP

New Orleans Times-Picayune ^ | 6-24-2003 | Staff reports

[fieldmarshaldj]

BATON ROUGE -- State Rep. Melinda Schwegmann announced Monday that she is switching her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican and will run for her former office of lieutenant governor in the October primary.

Addressing the House floor on the last day of the legislative session, the New Orleans representative said she "felt somewhat abandoned by many Democrats, while at the same time, I have been embraced and encouraged to run by numerous Republicans."

[fieldmarshaldj]

Rather interesting development. Kirt Bennett is an African-American Republican in this race, but from his lack of exposure, it remains doubtful he will make the runoff. Mitch Landrieu must be stopped at all costs. I'll support Bennett until the likely runoff and then switch to Schwegmann.

[fieldmarshaldj]

LA Lieutenant-Governor Race *ping*

[Dan from Michigan]

Rep. Mitch Landrieu, a Democrat

Related to Mary?

[Quick Shot]

Always liked the families grocery stores. First place I ever saw a one gallon jar of tobasco. Last time I was there the two stores I saw were closed. Anyone know what happened???

[fieldmarshaldj]

Yes, sir. That's Senator Brown Roots brother. They're trying to build a dynasty and take over the state. It must be stopped.

[tiamat]

bump!

[JohnnyZ]

Well that's . . . bizarre. I assume Schwegmann is pro-life.

Rep. Melinda Schwegmann, D-New Orleans, also said she would try to come up with a more acceptable version of her bill creating a “Louisiana Pride” plate — complete with the gay pride rainbow symbol. It was voted down 10-4 with little discussion.

Well, maybe not pro-life, if she's pushing that kind of crap. Is she really a liberal Democrat trying to get elected as a Republican? Truly bizarre.

[wordsofearnest]

I was in New Orleans in 1975-1977. Those were the damnest stores I ever saw. He had his own brand of beer and scotch. It was a 2 hour adventure to "make groceries" in Schweggies.

[fieldmarshaldj]

"Is she really a liberal Democrat trying to get elected as a Republican? Truly bizarre."

That's what I'm wondering about. Party affiliation in LA is somewhat meaningless (except at the federal level) the way things are set up. But more spawn of Landrieu in statewide office is a sickening thought.

[Pubbie]

Do you think John Breaux will decide to hang up his (Senate) cleats?

[fieldmarshaldj]

I honestly have no idea.

[Quick Shot]

Yep I was there 80 to 87, still the same then. Only place you can 'make groceries' and 'dress' your poorboy.

[Theodore R.]

Yes, this is Mary's brother, and he must be considered the frontrunner at this state. The name "Landrieu" is magic in southern LA.

[Theodore R.]

Was it her father who was a public service commissioner or her former father-in-law? The late State Senator John G. Schwegmann was a successful grocer and an unsuccessful Democrat primary candidate for governor in 1971, when the party endorsed the now confined Edwin Washington Edwards.

[nospinzone]

Yes, this is Mary's brother, and he must be considered the frontrunner at this state. The name "Landrieu" is magic in southern LA.

Actually, I saw a poll recently that had Stephen Rue at 30%, with Mitch behind at 23%. (Sorry to say Bennett was last at 5%)

[kms61]

Another "name" candidate, Marjorie McKeithen, is running for attorney general. She has her sights set on the Governor's mansion eventually.

[Theodore R.]

Any Landrieu is bound to be in the Nov. 15 "general election," and Landrieus are not that accustomed to losing, though Mary Landrieu did lost a gubernatorial primary in 1995.

[Theodore R.]

This "switching while announcing" was done successful by outgoing Governor Foster in 1995. In fact, Foster ran in 1995 as a Democrat until about the last six weeks of the race, when he switched parties to gain Republican votes needed to put him into a runoff with former Rep. Cleo Fields, D-LA.