Free Republic

Baton Rouge, La. (AP) -- A judge cited problems with the prosecution and threw out all charges against the state agriculture commissioner on Monday as jury selection was to begin in his bribery and money-laundering case that has dragged on for more than four years. "It needs to be over," State District Judge Don Johnson said as he dismissed six charges against Bob Odom, one of the state's top Democratic powerbrokers. Odom, 71, had been accused of taking bribes from a warehouse owner seeking food-storage contracts, having state-owned pine seedlings planted on his property, and laundering campaign money through his...

<p>BATON ROUGE - U.S. Sen. John Breaux, once the youngest member of Congress, will announce Monday whether he will run for a fourth term.</p> <p>The 59-year-old has scheduled lunch with his staff Monday to discuss his decision then will hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. in Baton Rouge to announce it to Louisiana.</p>

<p>BATON ROUGE - With Louisiana Gov.-elect Kathleen Blanco on vacation, senators are battling behind the scenes to see who will emerge as president of the state Senate.</p> <p>The short list of candidates includes senators from throughout the state - some of whom actively are campaigning, such as Francis Heitmeier, D-New Orleans, Don Hines, D-Bunkie, and Joe McPherson, D-Alexandria. Hines, who supported Blanco and gave her information about health care, is emerging as the most likely winner.</p>