Free Republic

<p>BATON ROUGE - The national debate over gay marriage is headed for the Louisiana Legislature this spring.</p> <p>The religious right is gearing up for a state ban on gay marriage and an outlaw of any state or local taxpayer dollars spent on domestic partner benefits, whether they are extended to straight or gay couples.</p>

<p>BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster will end two scandal-free terms Jan. 12, leaving an eight-year legacy of clean government and improved funding and attention to public schools. But he likely will be remembered for failing to address major problems in health care and missing key economic development opportunities for a state still struggling with intense poverty and joblessness.</p>