Free Republic

In ruby-red Louisiana, a disturbing power play exposed how far a rusting Democratic machine will reach to undermine lawful state government. From the isolated blue stronghold of Orleans Parish, which is New Orleans itself, local officials defied the state legislature. They basically claimed home rule trumped all, then indicted Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, for the “crime” of enforcing Louisiana law. This was no routine dispute. It was illegal retaliation from a shrinking political island desperate to reclaim influence it lost at the ballot box. The situation is wheels within wheels. Within wheels. Orleans Parish long maintained separate civil...

An arrest warrant for Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill was issued Thursday, minutes after a 16-count felony indictment was handed down in New Orleans Criminal District Court. The Republican state official’s bond totals $400,000, records show, which include $25,000 for each felony charge. Murrill is accused of eight counts of malfeasance in office and eight counts of intimidation. A New Orleans grand jury reviewed evidence this week about whether Murrill sought to intimidate local New Orleans public officials, including Mayor Helena Moreno and District Attorney Jason Williams, sources said. Murrill told the officials in May that they had imperiled their...