Free Republic

La. GOP backs party primaries Group to target federal vote first By MARSHA SHULER mshuler@theadvocate.com Capitol news bureau State Republicans voted Saturday to support a return to party primaries in federal elections, after abandoning the idea of including state and local elections as well. Meanwhile, the Republican State Central Committee also decided to investigate moving Louisiana's next presidential primary to February 2008 to bring more attention to the state and its voters' preference. The business marked the first meeting of the Republican leadership since the party scored major victories in fall elections. Party leaders rejoiced and there were plenty of...

Congressional race dirtiest in recent years 2theadvocate.com staff From a report by WBRZ's Ken Pastorick The hotly contested race for Louisiana's 3rd congressional district seat has been called one of the state's dirtiest political races in recent history. Billy Tauzin is leaving Congress after 12 terms, and his son, Billy Tauzin III, and Charlie Melancon are battling it out over the airwaves. Both the Republican and Democratic national committees have poured millions into the campaign for advertising, mostly television spots of a very negative nature. But, the candidates aren’t holding back, either. One Tauzin ad proclaimed, "Charlie Melancon said he...

Romero won't endorse Tauzin or Melancon By The Associated Press NEW IBERIA -- Republican Craig Romero, who finished a strong third in the primary election for Congress to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin Jr., said he will not endorse either candidate in the Dec. 4 runoff. Romero, a conservative state senator from New Iberia, finished behind fellow Republican Billy Tauzin III and Democrat Charlie Melancon in the Nov. 2 primary. Tauzin of Houma had 32 percent of the vote and Melancon of Napoleonville had 24 percent, edging out Romero's 23 percent. Romero said he was still angry at the...

Tauzin faces five opponents in bid to replace father By DOUG SIMPSON Associated Press writer HOUMA -- Some voters affectionately call him "Little Billy." A political rival calls him simply, "That Boy." Billy Tauzin III's name is as famous as any other in south Louisiana politics, familiar to the oilmen, shrimp fishermen and sugar cane farmers of Cajun towns like Houma and New Iberia. They know Tauzin's father, U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin Jr., a former oil rig worker who won a seat in Congress in 1980, was re-elected 11 times and, as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee,...

Breaux thinks John best fit for his shoes By GERARD SHIELDS gshields@theadvocate.com Advocate staff writer It's official -- U.S. Sen. John Breaux, D-La., is supporting U.S. Rep. Chris John, D-Crowley, in the race to succeed Breaux. Breaux's endorsement of John was expected. But the fellow Crowley native who is retiring after 32 years in Congress made it official by co-hosting a New Orleans fund-raising event on May 22 on behalf of John. Event chairs were asked to raise $25,000. Event hosts were asked to contribute or raise $10,000. And it was suggested that each guest who attended contribute $1,000. Laura...