Sabludowsky: Give Vitter His Due

Steve Sabludowsky of Bayoubuzz.com devotes a whole opinion piece on David Vitter. Interestingly, he brings up the possibility that Vitter might win on the first ballot. The full article can be found here.

Give the guy his due.

Congressman Vitter is leading the pack of Senate hopefuls. He is the only Republican in the race. He has the support of Governor Foster who considered him a trouble maker in the past. He has a little Al Gore inside--stiff. He has had his enemies even from his party. Yet, he has successfully cleared the field of any Republican competition which is no small task for a Republican—considering the recent statewide elections of bruisers.

Vitter has pushed the right buttons from national, to state party to locals and has a chance to be the first Louisiana Republican Senator in a long line of Democrats.

(snip)

Now, the question becomes—can Vitter take it in the first? A lot of pundits are saying, “it seems impossible, but, you know, there’s a chance”. Certainly with Kerry AWOL in Louisiana those odds increase.

There is also a second question—should there be a runoff, will he fall prey to the great Louisiana democratic coalition? The two most likely candidates are Chris John and John Kennedy. Although this is not a scientific analysis of great proportions, consider the close race of Jenkins versus Landrieu. Both of those candidates had major detractors. The same goes with Landrieu versus Terrell.

In this race, assuming that Chris John or John Kennedy make the runoffs, it could be anyone’s game. Although a lot of words venom have been spewed between the state Democrats and Republicans, the runoff election could be a civil exercise of election chaos.

I know that sounds like an oxymoron and it is. But, make no mistake about this Senate race. None of the candidates are political morons and will get the full support of their respective parties. And, given David Vitter’s track record, that is unquestionably a major accomplishment for which he should be given tremendous credit.

Vitter on issues of transportation

From The Advocate.

When it comes to transportation, Louisiana is a "donor" state, meaning it gets back only 90 cents of every $1 in gasoline taxes its motorists send to Washington.

With critical projects, such as the $2.2 billion Interstate 49 extension on the priority list, fighting for transportation dollars is going to be a major necessity for the state's new U.S. senator.

Four major candidates are vying for retiring U.S. Sen. John Breaux's place in the Senate. The primary election is Nov. 2.

All the candidates have some thoughts on the state's transportation needs.

(snip)

U.S. Rep. David Vitter, R-Metairie, has co-authored a bill to increase Louisiana's share of road money to at least a 95-cent return on the dollar.

"Obviously, I think we can do better than that," Vitter said.

One way to improve the state's share is to fund I-49, Vitter said. Vitter is a member of the I-49 caucus and recently pushed to get the highway designated as a corridor of national significance.

Vitter also supports creation of a Baton Rouge bypass, he said.

"It's long overdue," he said. "In the next census, it is likely that Baton Rouge is going to be the state's largest metropolitan area."

Vitter opposes the federal government's forcing of area motorists to use reformulated gas to cut down on ozone.

"The science doesn't support mandates coming down on Baton Rouge," Vitter said.

Vitter's views on homeland security

From The Advocate.

As homeland security coordinator for the harbor patrol of the Port of New Orleans, Capt. Kevin Newman and his officers stand as Louisiana's front line of defense.

Newman acknowledges that since Sept. 11, 2001, his agency has received its share of federal money.

But Newman said the needs continue to exceed the available resources. Take, for example, the patrol boats the agency requested.

"But we didn't get approved for that," Newman said.

Port officials have received $8 million for homeland security since 2001 but list $16 million in needs ranging from more officers to security gates.

"It's like getting a tube of toothpaste without a toothbrush," said Gary LaGrange, president and CEO of the port.

Louisiana's next U.S. senator will need to deal with federal funding for law enforcement and rescue agencies in the state.

As Congress considers moving its funding formula from a population base to a critical-needs criteria, Louisiana's junior senator also will be forced to show the importance of the state's homeland security needs.

In addition, he'll have to defend the state's military bases as Congress prepares to go through the next round of military base closures.

Four major Senate candidates are on the Nov. 2 presidential-election ballot, seeking to replace retiring U.S. Sen. John Breaux, D-La.

The candidates were asked about security issues.

(snip)

Rep. David Vitter, R-Metairie, has been pushing for a regional homeland security headquarters to be placed in Louisiana and said he feels good about the state's prospects.

Vitter would also place priority on port security and safety of the chemical plants throughout the state.

Vitter said the homeland security funding formula should include a critical-needs component.

"You don't want to approve the money per capita because the risk is not per capita," Vitter said. "We should fare well under any scenario."

On the issue of base closings, Vitter is not only aiming to prevent Louisiana bases from closing but would like to see the state inherit its share of new military operations from bases that close in other states, he said.

"What I want to do is not just to play defense but to play offense," Vitter said.

Roll Call: Kerry pullout bad for Louisiana Democrats

I found this RollCall.com article excerpt from the NRSC.org website on its Louisiana webpage. I've excerpted it further to highlight the relevant points.

The decision by Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry to cancel advertising in several battleground states that also feature targeted Senate contests this fall is worrying Democrats in at least one, Missouri, and leaving strategists scratching their heads in two others, Colorado and Louisiana.

Faced with a dwindling pot of money, Kerry has eliminated seven states from his initial crop of 20 in which his campaign began running advertisements over the summer.

Included in that list are Missouri, Colorado and Louisiana — three states in which Democrats had hoped for serious spending and attention by the Kerry campaign, under the belief that it could boost turnout and aid downballot races such as theirs. The pull-out also suggests a pessimism that could hurt morale among local party activists.

While it’s still possible that the Kerry pull-out could be reversed in certain states based on changed circumstances later in the campaign, most observers view a return to those states as unlikely at best.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman George Allen (Va.) called Kerry’s decision a boon for GOP candidates.

“It shows the president is doing well,” said Allen. “The president is strong, and that is beneficial to Pete Coors, Kit Bond and David Vitter,” referring to the GOP Senate candidates in Colorado, Missouri and Louisiana...

(snip)

The impact of a diminished Kerry presence in Colorado and Louisiana...

(snip)

Louisiana, which Bush carried by 8 points in 2000, is even more difficult to predict because of the state’s election laws.

On Nov. 2, Vitter will take part in an all-party primary against Rep. Chris John (D), state Treasurer John Kennedy (D) and state Rep. Arthur Morrell (D). If no one receives 50 percent, the two top votegetters, regardless of party, advance to a Dec. 4 runoff.

Because of the likelihood of a runoff, neither national party has yet focused much attention on the Louisiana race...

...Vitter spokesman Mac Abrahms said Kerry remains active in the state because John, Kennedy and Morrell are “surrogates promoting his campaign.” All three have endorsed Kerry, but neither John nor Kennedy has trumpeted his support of the Massachusetts Senator.

One Louisiana Democratic operative said Kerry’s diminished presence “cuts both ways” for the party’s candidates. “You don’t have [Kerry] down there, which is a good thing, but at the same time [he] is not down there defending himself,” the source said.

Chris John's campaign takes contributions from liberal Democrats obstructing judicial nominees

According to the Federal Elections Commission website, Congressman Chris John, a candidate for the Senate from Louisiana, has received campaign contributions from liberal Democrats in the Senate who are participating in the judicial filibuster. One of John's contributors is the Leahy for Senate Committee. This refers to Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont's re-election committee. Leahy is the very liberal Democrat who obstructed President Bush's judicial nominees while chairman of the judicary committee, and still acts to do so today.

Another contributor to the John campaign is Friends of Carl Levin. Carl Levin is a liberal Democrat from Michigan. Levin also has acted to filibuster the president's nominees. Furthermore, John is the only one out of the three Democrats to receive such contributions from liberal Democrats in Congress.

Congressman John has been portraying himself as the "moderate" candidate, but he has no compunctions about being supported by some of the most liberal politicians in Washington. We currently are suffering a judicial crisis, and we do not need to give Senator Leahy an ally in perpetuating that crisis.

Here is the data from the FEC webpage:

LEAHY, PATRICK
VIA LEAHY FOR U.S. SENATOR COMMITTEE - 06/14/2004 - 2000.00
24020631601

LEVIN, CARL
VIA FRIENDS OF SENATOR CARL LEVIN - 03/05/2004 - 1000.00
24020181333

LEVIN, CARL
VIA FRIENDS OF SENATOR CARL LEVIN - 03/05/2004 - 1000.00
24020181333

The record can be found here on the FEC.gov website.

New Quotes added to "The Hillary Doctrine"

The past week I've been able to add new quotes from the Democratic candidates concerning tax relief. As you have seen, the "opposition" section on the right hand side details the Democrats' liberal positions on judicial filibusters, taxes, and school choice. In fact it has grown so much that "The Hillary Doctrine," which was the first one that I set up, is down the page somewhat. Here are the three newcomers to "The Hillary Doctrine."

[State Treasurer John]Kennedy has taken a more populist approach by, among other things, criticizing the Bush administration for promoting tax cuts that he said favor mainly the wealthy." Senate Candidates Keep It Clean at Debate, The Times Picayune,09-20-04

[Chris]John said he voted against the Bush-Republican tax plan in 2003...Democrats criticize Vitter for missing tax-cut vote, The Advocate,09-25-04

[State Representative Arthur]Morrell said he opposes tax-free health savings accounts because they ignore low-income people. He also said he is opposed to the Bush tax credit for insurance...Senate Candidates Differ On Health Care Remedy, The Times Picayune, 09-26-04

Scroll down to "The Hillary Doctrine," for links to the articles. The election is heating up, so keep it here at Vitter Blog to track the election. Geaux Vitter!

Barnes: Things Look Good For Republicans (Mentions Louisiana)

Fred Barnes, writer for the Weekly Standard and one half of Fox News' "The Beltway Boys," ran through the senate races in his latest piece. Here's what he has to say about Louisiana:

Republican representative David Vitter has gradually widened his lead in Louisiana, a state that Kerry has now conceded to Bush. But he's unlikely to reach 50 percent in the state's jungle primary on November 2, forcing him into a runoff in December. He'd rather face liberal state treasurer John Kennedy than the more conservative Rep. Christopher John. And, lucky for Vitter, Kennedy was endorsed last week by the most important black Democrat in the state, Rep. William Jefferson. If Vitter wins the seat being vacated by John Breaux, he'd become the first Republican since Reconstruction to represent Louisiana in the Senate.

Full article available here.

Louisiana a draw for Bush administration officials

From The Times Picayune

Louisiana not off the national radar

Louisiana may be sidelined for the moment as a battleground state in the presidential election, but the state's Senate and congressional races are attracting attention from some of the top names in the Bush administration. Laura Bush is scheduled to be in Shreveport on Thursday for a fund-raiser for Senate candidate David Vitter, the Republican congressman from Metairie. The event is being co-hosted by Rep. Jim McCrery, R-Shreveport, and will be held in the city's Petroleum Club. Also, 7th Congressional District candidate Charles Boustany got a boost from Vice President Dick Cheney's appearance last week at a fund-raiser in Lafayette.

Candidates differ on health care

From The Times Picayune

As medical costs soar and employer-sponsored health insurance coverage erodes, Louisiana's candidates for U.S. Senate are offering starkly different opinions on the best way to improve the nation's health care system.

Their views could be pivotal in what is expected to be a closely divided Senate that will preside over major changes in the Medicare program, consider how to treat 43 million uninsured Americans and decide what to do about spiraling medical malpractice costs that have led some doctors to stop delivering babies.

The four major candidates, three Democrats and one Republican, are running to replace Democratic Sen. John Breaux, an acknowledged expert on health issues who frequently sided with Republicans in advocating free-market approaches to government programs.

Breaux was an architect of the Medicare law last year that will create a private-sector drug benefit for 39 million Medicare beneficiaries starting in 2006. But the three Democrats running to replace him disagree with a key provision of the new law, which bans Medicare from negotiating directly with drug companies for lower prices.

(snip)

Rep. David Vitter, R-Metairie, disagreed. He said Medicare, which would control about 40 percent of the drug market, would wield bargaining power so awesome that it would be tantamount to government price-fixing. That, he said, would be a financial disincentive for drug makers to take the risk sometimes entailed in developing new, life-saving medicines.

"I'm concerned that it would decrease research and development and delay or quash new drugs from coming onto the market," Vitter said.

The new law will feature private health plans competing against each other for seniors' business, and Vitter said he thinks those companies will use their market shares to negotiate the lowest prices they can for members. Democrats have questioned whether health plan competition on its own will be able to make much of a dent in drug costs.

(snip)

But Vitter accused John of just toeing the line of U.S. drug companies that have donated $61,054 to John since last year, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The drug industry has staunchly opposed reimportation, which would cut into their U.S. profits.

"Much of the safety argument is a smoke screen by pharmaceutical companies," Vitter said. "If Chris was concerned about (safety), he could have offered amendments to address that."

(snip)

John, Vitter and Kennedy said they support tax-free health savings accounts, such as those proposed by President Bush, to allow people to put away money to cover medical costs that insurance doesn't. They also support a Bush-backed tax credit of $2,000 to help people buy the private high-deductible insurance policies those people are likely to purchase. Bush has called for a $3,000 tax credit for families who want to buy more traditional coverage, such as from an HMO.

(snip)

Although Vitter likewise favored an expansion of CHIP for middle-income disabled children, he drew the line at a proposal by Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, who has called for opening up the federal employees' insurance program to all.

Kerry would allow individuals and businesses to sign up with the program, which offers an array of government-subsidized private health insurance policies to 9 million federal workers and members of Congress. He would offer a tax credit to small businesses to cover as much as half the cost. Cost estimates of the plan have ranged from $300 billion to $700 billion over 10 years.

Vitter said the proposal is "dangerously close" to the doomed 1994 Clinton health care plan. He said he preferred private-market approaches instead, such as allowing companies to band together into purchasing pools to bring down the cost of health insurance.

(snip)

Partisan lines were clearly drawn over placing federal limits on jury awards in medical malpractice cases. Vitter, the lone Republican, said frivolous lawsuits are driving up insurance costs and forcing doctors to scale back their practices.

Two Vitter press releases

Vitter Welcomes Chris John to Fight for Cheaper Prescription Drugs

(Metairie, La.) – U.S. Congressman and Senate candidate David Vitter today welcomed news that Chris John was weighing in on the fight to provide Louisianian’s with access to cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.

“I’ve been fighting for several years to make prescription drugs more affordable by allowing reimportation. I’m glad that 40 days before the election Chris finally realizes how important this issue is to our families,” Vitter said.

Vitter is the only member of the Louisiana delegation to vote against the big drug companies and for reimportation. Vitter was also among a bi-partisan group of 228 House members who wrote Sen. Bill Frist in May to urge that he schedule a Senate floor vote on reimportation. Of the signers, 148 were Democrats.

“I was disappointed in May when Chris chose not to join the 228 of us who wrote Sen. Frist underscoring the importance of passing reimportation legislation. It’s disappointing that it took a political campaign for Chris to get involved,” Vitter said.

Reimportation Record

5-21-2004 Vitter wrote Sen. Bill Frist urging a Senate vote on Reimportation.

7-25-2003 Vitter voted YES and John voted NO on HR 2427, Roll Call No. 445, Pharmaceutical access Act of 2003 (AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION: To prevent Food and Drug Administration funds from being used to take enforcement actions related to prescription drugs being imported by individuals, wholesalers, or pharmacists, unless those drugs are misbranded, adulterated or unapproved.

7-25-2003 Vitter voted YES on Roll Call No. 1, House Appropriations Committee Mark Up of HR 2673, Agriculture Appropriations Bill. John does not serve on the Appropriations committee.

7-11-2001 Vitter voted YES and John voted NO on H Amt. 150 to HR 2330, Agriculture Appropriations Bill, Roll Call No. 217 (AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION: Amendment allows individuals to import a prescription drug that appears to be FDA approved and manufactured pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and does not appear to be a narcotic.)


Vitter Responds to Democrat Attack #20

For Immediate Release Contact: Mac Abrams

September 23, 2004 504-481-8308

Metairie, LA - Today U.S. Congressman David Vitter responded to the latest Democrat attacks about his voting record. Vitter has a 93 percent attendance rate for all votes in the 108th Congress, but John has missed more than twice as many votes.

“It’s interesting that my opponent would choose to attack my voting record when he has missed more than twice as many votes as I have in the 108th Congress. In terms of percentages, I get an “A” for attendance and doing the job the people of the First Congressional District have elected me to do, while he is slipping to almost a “C,” said Vitter.

Thursday’s votes centered around protecting the pledge of allegiance and giving tax relief to working families. Vitter said his record on these issues makes his position absolutely clear and that he made sure the three bills would pass with overwhelming bipartisan support before he returned to Louisiana.

“I’ve voted three times to protect the words ‘under God’ in the pledge. These three measures passed with an overwhelming bipartisan margin each time,” Vitter said. “As a sponsor of the Pledge Protection Act – which Chris John did not sponsor – I was pleased to see that the measure passed with 247 votes.”

Regarding the tax relief votes, including those for the middle class, Vitter said, “Again my record is clear. I have always voted for measures that will reduce the tax burden on Louisiana families, and help grow jobs. I can understand why Chris John stayed to vote – he has opposed these family tax measures in the past. Much like John Kerry who he is supporting for President, he flip flopped on tax relief and must have looked at the polls tell him where Louisianian’s stand, thus changing course 40 days before the election.”

Vitter is a cosponsor of the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act, which makes permanent the adoption tax credit that would expire in 2010 and he has voted in favor of the tax credit twice before.

Key provisions of the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 include marriage penalty relief, the expanded 10 percent income-tax bracket and the $1,000 child-tax credit. Additionally, this act extends relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax.

“It is equally disappointing that the Democrats and Chris John are using partisan substitute votes, an inside Washington tool of the minority party, to try and hide their true record on these issues,” added Vitter.

Vitter’s Pledge Record

3/20/2003, Vitter voted YES on H. Res. 132, Roll Call 77

10/8/2002, Vitter voted YES on S. 2690, Roll Call 445

6/27/2002, Vitter cosponsored H. Res. 459 and voted YES, Roll Call 416

Vitter’s Adoption Tax Credit Record

5/17/2001, Vitter voted YES on Hope for Children Act, Roll Call 124

5/26/2001, Vitter voted YES on Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, which included adoption credit, Roll Call 149

Vitter’s Family Tax Relief Record

5/26/2001, Vitter voted YES on Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, which included the marriage penalty relief, expanded 10 percent income-tax bracket and $1,000 child tax credit provisions, Roll Call 149.

3/8/2001, Vitter voted YES and John voted NO on H.R. 3, Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001, which includes provisions outlined above, Roll Call 45

5/23/2003, Vitter voted YES, John voted NO on Jobs and Growth Reconciliation Tax Act, H.R. 2, which accelerated the phase-in of tax relief in three provisions referenced above, Roll Call 225

5/9/2003, Vitter voted YES, John voted NO on Jobs and Growth Reconciliation Tax act, H.R. 2, Roll Call 182

4/28/2004, Vitter voted YES on the H.R. 4181 for marriage penalty relief, Roll Call 138

5/13/2004, Vitter voted YES on H.R. 4275 to permanently extend the 10-percent individual income tax rate bracket, Roll Call 170

6/13/2002, Vitter voted YES on H.R. 4019 to make the marriage penalty relief provisions permanent, Roll Call 229

5/20/2004, Vitter voted YES on Child Credit Preservation and Expansion Act, Roll Call 209

5/5/2004, Vitter voted YES on Middle-Class Alternative Minimum Tax Relief, Roll Call 144

The Times Picayune profiles Vitter

The Times Picayune has a great bio on David Vitter. I urge everyone to click on the link above and check it out.

Louisiana Democrats divided on senate candidates

Steve Sabludowsky of the great website Bayoubuzz.com had this to say about Congressman Jefferson's endorsement. Seems there could be trouble on the horizon for the Democrats.

Here's an excerpt from his piece.

Rep. William Jefferson’s (D-02) endorsement of Treasurer John Kennedy (D) over the DSCC preferred candidate/Rep. Chris John (D-07) might have its pros and cons.

The Jefferson endorsement could give Kennedy additional leverage in the African American community at the expense of both Chris John and black Louisiana State Representative, Arthur Morrell who is running for the Senate seat. There is significant importance to the Jefferson endorsement. For one, it can be perceived that winning is more important than “race”. It also shows that Louisiana politicians have come a long way in not making race the primary or sole issue in endorsements. On the political front, it puts more pressure on the state democratic party to clear the field. Republican David Vitter can coast to the runoffs and some say even take the election on the first ballot. A divided Democratic party will hurt that party’s chance to gain momentum for the runoff, if it should occur at all.

Vitter touts plans for welfare reform

Here's a press release from the official Vitter campaign website. The full text of the release is right below.

In addition, here is a story from the Shreveport Times on the same issue.

For Immediate Release Contact: Mac Abrams
September 21, 2004 (504) 833-1163 or (504) 481-8308

“Honest wages for honest work. It’s a big part of what has made America great. Unfortunately, there are some that would rather take advantage of the welfare system, than work. I believe that welfare should be temporary assistance that helps folks through tough times and not a way of life. As our next U.S. Senator, I will work to ensure that our public ‘safety net’ is never so comfortable that it acts as a hammock and I am releasing a plan on how I will improve the welfare system,” said David Vitter.

In his latest installment of Fighting for Our Future: David Vitter’s Bold Louisiana Agenda, Vitter has outlined specific areas in welfare reform he would address as Louisiana’s next Senator.

In his plan, David Vitter will fight for further federal welfare reform based on the very successful 1996 model, which honors and rewards work, and strongly oppose measures to weaken these reforms. He will support welfare reform that nurtures families, rather than encouraging dependent behavior. Also, Vitter stressed his desire to provide more flexibility for states and localities to spend federal dollars in accordance with their own initiatives.

“As the only candidate in this race that supports welfare reform, I believe that we should demand an initial goal of at least 7 in 10 welfare recipients doing some form of work for their benefits. Right now it’s only 2 in 10,” said Vitter.

Vitter also highlighted his record of achieving results in Congress in regards to welfare reform. He is the only candidate that to support and vote for legislation to reform the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to help provide better job training and more flexibility and funding for states. He authored an amendment to WIA that would better coordinate federal and state efforts with local employers, helping ensure that local people who are getting training have better access to local opportunities. In addition, Vitter highlighted his push for better access to quality
child care--$2 billion over five years. This will allow states to devote more money to expand access to quality child care, which is essential to helping welfare families move from welfare to work.

David Vitter’s entire welfare reform agenda can be found at www.davidvitter.com.

State GOP catches Chris John in flip flop

From The Times Picayune

The state Republican Party on Monday accused U.S. Rep. Chris John of "flip-flopping" on the issue of government vouchers for public school students.

John, one of three Democrats running to succeed John Breaux in the U.S. Senate, has said that he opposes using taxpayer money to pay for children to attend private or parochial schools. He repeated the statement in a debate Sunday night at Xavier University in New Orleans, saying, "I have a pretty clear record of opposing vouchers."

But the Louisiana Republican Party cited a 1997 House vote in which John was one of only four Democrats to support a school voucher bill that was at the top of the legislative agenda of GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

The so-called Help Empower Low-Income Parents scholarships would have allowed states to tap federal dollars so that children in low-income families could attend private or religious schools. The bill failed, 191-228, when 35 Republicans crossed the aisle to side with the Democrats, who said it would have eroded financing for public education.

"Once again, we see a Chris John who says one thing in Louisiana but votes the other way in Washington," said Roger Villere, chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party.

Candidates debate, discourse civil

From The Times Picayune

The four major candidates for Louisiana's open U.S. Senate seat clashed politely over the war in Iraq, the expired assault-weapons ban and a host of other issues in their first statewide televised debate Sunday night.

With barely six weeks remaining before voters begin picking a replacement for retiring Sen. John Breaux, D-La., the candidates struck few blows in a debate that was far more civil than the high-decibel wrangling that has characterized other races in this contentious election year.

(snip)

With Republicans unified behind Vitter's candidacy, the main suspense in the Nov. 2 election is which of the leading Democrats will join him in the Dec. 4 runoff, which will decide the winner if no candidate finishes with more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary.

A recent Marketing Research poll showed a commanding lead for Vitter, who tallied 42 percent support, compared with 19 percent for Kennedy, 16 percent for John and 3 percent for Morrell.

(snip)

If Vitter wins, he would be the first Republican ever to represent Louisiana in the Senate, where voters typically have sent conservative Democrats such as Breaux and Sen. Russell Long.

As he has done throughout the campaign, Vitter portrayed himself as the candidate of change and independence. "Politics as usual -- go along to get along -- has gotten us where we are today in Louisiana," Vitter said.

Vitter's claim to be an independent voice if he's elected was challenged immediately after the debate by Louisiana Democratic Party staffers, who distributed fliers to reporters noting that Vitter voted with the Bush administration 96 percent of the time in 2003.

In a conservative state where Bush is expected to win decisively in November, Vitter's policy positions hewed close to the administration's line on everything from taxes and health care to the war in Iraq.

Vitter said in the debate that he "fully supported" the war in Iraq, though he acknowledged that America "went into that conflict with a lot of bad information" since inspectors did not find the weapons of mass destruction that the administration cited as a chief reason for the invasion.

Candidates debate issues

From The Advocate.

School vouchers got a thumbs down from three of the four "major" U.S. Senate candidates participating in a Sunday night televised forum -- the first of the campaign season. There are seven candidates vying for the seat.

Democratic contenders U.S. Rep. Chris John, state Treasurer John Kennedy and state Rep. Arthur Morrell said vouchers take money away from already poorly funded public schools struggling to educate youngster.

Republican U.S. Rep. David Vitter said he favors vouchers so some children can attend private and parochial schools on taxpayer dollars.

(snip)

Louisiana has its school accountability program and there's the federal No Child Left Behind initiative trying to improve public education, Vitter said.

If those efforts fail, "I believe we must give students trapped in those failing schools .... publicly funded scholarships or vouchers," said Vitter.

(snip)

On the assault weapon ban, Vitter and John said they favored letting it expire. Vitter called the ban "clearly superficial and political."

(snip)

On the war in Iraq, John and Vitter said they stand behind their votes that gave Bush the authority to enter into the conflict.

Vitter touts conservative principles, honest government in bid to win voters

Courtesy of NRSC.org

Excerpted from The Hill; September 15, 2004

MORGAN CITY, La. — In 2004, as in years past, the Thibodeauxs, Bedards, Heberts and other descendants of the French émigrés who came here two and three centuries ago will play a critical role on Election Day, this time helping to choose Louisiana’s next junior senator.

The 15,000 people who live here, in the heart of Cajun Country, like their neighbors from Terrebonne Parish to the Texas line, tend to be blue-collar, Catholic, conservative Democrats, the kind of people who have been voting for Sen. John Breaux and Rep. Chris John for years....

...That may be so, but the Republicans are hardly conceding Cajun Country this year.

In fact, many in the GOP believe that Vitter is well-positioned to tap into deep veins of discontent with the Democrats — over gay marriage, abortion, national security and a host of other issues — and become the first Republican ever elected to the Senate from Louisiana.

Vitter is helped, Republicans say, by Louisiana’s peculiar election system. Instead of holding primaries earlier in the year and a general election in November, Louisiana will conduct a general election Nov. 2 (along with the rest of the nation) that is open to all candidates from all parties (unlike general elections elsewhere in the country).

If no candidate garners a majority, the top two vote-getters proceed to a Dec. 4 runoff.

Vitter, who most everyone predicts will win the most votes on Election Day but doesn’t expect to snag 50 percent plus one, said his supporters “are particularly engaged” this year and would return in larger numbers than those of the Democratic front-runner — whomever that turns out to be....

...“I really think that, in some sense, history is in our favor because we’re overdue,” Vitter said in an interview. Repeating what has become a mantra on the stump, the congressman added: “It’s not just electing a Republican. I have a very long record of targeting corruption and cronyism.”

That record, encompassing eight years in the state House of Representatives and nearly two terms in the U.S. House, includes taking on ex-Gov. Edwards, the gambling industry and abuses by state legislators of the Tulane Legislative Scholarship program...

...With barely six weeks before Election Day, supporters say Vitter is on the verge of transforming Louisiana democracy — replacing the old, backroom politics with a more transparent, more conservative kind of government.

“Bear in mind that Republicans have come close in Senate races and in governors races for the last 10, 12, 14 years,” said Rep. Jim McCrery, a Republican from Shreveport, in the northwest corner of the state. “Vitter’s job is to do what other Republican candidates have done, which is solidify the New Orleans suburbs and carry the rest of the state and not get hurt too bad in some particular region that favors the Democrat.”

New Orleans — with its large black population and its French Quarter with artists, musicians, gallery owners and restaurateurs — is expected to give the Democratic front-runner a big boost. Outside the city, especially in the north, Vitter should do well among the Southern Baptists and evangelicals who live in sleepy towns surrounded by corn, cotton and soybean fields. Unlike many in the Big Easy… voters in this part of the state, from Shreveport to Monroe to the Mississippi border, are, for the most part, unequivocally pro-Bush, pro-Iraq war, pro-tax cuts.

Over the summer, Vitter moved out of his home in the suburbs north of New Orleans to a temporary house in central Louisiana. The goal, Republicans said, was to be closer to the day-to-day fieldwork of the campaign — to be closer to the GOP stalwarts, conservative Democrats and undecided voters Vitter needs come December to prevail over John or Kennedy.

“I think where some statewide Republican campaigns have faltered in the past is grassroots organization,” Vitter said....

Be safe from Hurricane Ivan

With the possible coming of Hurricane Ivan to Louisiana's shores, I will probably not be doing any posts for a few days. If you live in southeast Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, please be safe. We'll see you again soon.

Mort Kondracke: Vitter wins if Kennedy makes runoff

On yesterday's edition of Fox News' "The Beltway Boys," commentator Mort Kondracke predicted, as he and co-host Fred Barnes were going through the list of competitive senate races, that if John Kennedy makes the runoff against David Vitter, Vitter will likely prevail.

Bush, Vitter gets bumps in polls

From The Times Picayune

Bush gets bump in latest poll

A new statewide poll shows President Bush comfortably ahead of Democratic nominee John Kerry in Louisiana. The survey by the Marketing Research Institute showed Bush leading 53 percent to 36 percent, a difference of 17 percentage points. A poll by the same firm in July showed the president up by 16 points. Some 600 registered voters were surveyed between Aug. 31 and Sept. 2, and the poll has a margin of error of 4.1 percent. The survey was conducted for a group of business people. The results come on the heels of a visit by Kerry to New Orleans last week and an announcement by the campaign that Louisiana is one of 20 battleground states targeted in a $45 million television ad buy. The Kerry camp said it hadn't seen the Marketing Research numbers but that it is undeterred. Since the most recent poll, the campaign has increased its Louisiana staff by about 30 people and by this week will have opened offices in seven cities. "We are charging forward," said Renee Lapeyrolerie, Kerry's spokeswoman in Louisiana.

Vitter pads early lead

The new Marketing Research Institute poll of 600 registered voters shows U.S. Rep. David Vitter, R-Metairie, widening his lead over three Democrats in the U.S. Senate race. Vitter collected 42 percent in the survey, conducted Aug. 31 through Sept. 2. State Treasurer John Kennedy got 19 percent, U.S. Rep. Chris John, D-Crowley, 16 percent; state Rep. Arthur Morrell, 3 percent; and 21 percent were undecided. The poll has a margin of error of 4.1 percent. Head-to-head matchups in theoretical runoffs show Vitter beating both John (47-33) and Kennedy (47-35). But with 51 days until the election and with a large group of undecided voters, there is plenty of opportunity for change. John began running statewide television ads last week, and Kennedy said his will go up next week.

Vitter catches Morrell in flip flop

I've come across this story before but I've been a little too busy to post it until now. Anyway, at a forum hosted by the Louisiana Bankers Association and the Consumer Bankers of Louisiana a few weeks ago, things got a little heated.

From The Advocate

A U.S. Senate forum took on a feisty tone Friday as Republican U.S. Rep. David Vitter accused two other candidates of lying to the host Louisiana bankers.

(snip)

The liar remark Friday came in response to a question about whether Vitter and Democrats state Treasurer John Kennedy and state Rep. Arthur Morrell would favor banks getting into the real-estate transaction business.

Vitter said he does not support the idea. Kennedy, Morrell and John, who was on a bus tour, took the same position at a recent Realtors forum.

On Friday, Kennedy and Morrell told the bankers they support the move.

"With all due respect, my opponents just lied to you on this issue," said Vitter. "There's something here more important than a position on a specific issue ... whether someone is going to be straightforward and consistent with you."

Then Morrell came back and made this remark:

Morrell said Vitter has lied many times, including when he accused Morrell of not supporting tax reductions. "I've never stated anywhere that I believe in increasing taxes," said Morrell, a New Orleans lawyer.

Really? Then where did this come from, Representative Morrell?

"[State Representative Arthur]Morrell calls for a repeal of the Bush tax cuts...'I would start repeal at the top levels.'...Even the $1,000 refundable tax credit for children would be under consideration for repeal, Morrell said." The Weekly's Inside Political track....By Christopher Tidmore and Mario Gintella, 3-15-04

Arthur Morrell is the staunchest supporter for John Kerry among the three Democratic senate candidates, so it would seem he had picked up his penchant for flip flops as well.

Vitter responds to more Democrat claptrap

The state Democrats once again show their commitment to running a positive campaign by lying about Vitter's record (sarcasm intended). Well, here's what Congressman Vitter had to say about their latest ditribe:

From Bayoubuzz.com

Another Day, Another Democratic Attack

Today, U.S. Congressman David Vitter, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, responded to the State Democratic Party’s latest daily attack.

“Once again the Democratic Party and the U.S. Senate candidates they represent are sticking to their daily game plan of attack, lie, and scare the people of Louisiana. In their desperate attempt to gain traction, the Democrats are using smoke and mirrors to disguise the facts on education funding,” said David Vitter.

·David Vitter has appropriated $1.3 million for technology in Louisiana schools

·David Vitter has supported historic funding increases for education. According to the Department of Education, total federal education spending has increased 50 percent in the last four years.

·Louisiana will get $1.9 Billion in federal education FY 05

“Only political demagogues and career politicians would call a fifty percent increase in education a cut. Comparing authorization to appropriation funding is like comparing apples to oranges. One is a goal and the other is reality. If you use their logic, one of my opponents voted to ‘underfund’ No Child Left Behind by $5 billion this year. Unfortunately, it looks like Louisiana can expect more of these Democratic scare tactics and distorted attacks rather than a real debate on the issues,” said David Vitter.

Vitter leads expands to 42%

From The Advocate.

Republican David Vitter is consolidating his front-running status in the U.S. Senate race, jumping to 42 percent in the latest poll by pollster Verne Kennedy.

The Metairie congressman's three Democratic rivals -- state treasurer John Kennedy, U.S. Rep. Chris John, and state rep. Arthur Morrell -- are at 19, 16 and 3 percent respectively in the 600-person poll, taken while the Republican National Convention was held in New York between Aug. 30 and Sept.r 2.

The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percent.

Vitter leads at 40%, John Kennedy in second place

A little snippet from Bayoubuzz.com that shows a latest poll showing a Vitter-Kennedy runoff. Chris John, despite being backed by John Breaux and the national Democratic Party, is still not polling high enough to make it into the runoff.

From Bayoubuzz.com

According to John Maginnis today, a Verne Kennedy Poll shows David Vitter at 40 %, John Kennedy 19% a few points ahead of Chris John. Bayoubuzz has contacted Verne Kennedy for the poll so we can put the complete poll and questions up on Bayoubuzz for your review. We do not like--in this day of technology-- to put up any poll results unless we see all of the questions. However, assuming the accuracy of the poll results at this point in time, there has been some reaction in the political world. We have just received a response from Verne Kennedy´s Office. The spokesperson told me that “our policy is to verify numbers not give out the poll results”. Why? Others do!!

“We’re delighted”, said John Kennedy, state treasurer and Senate hopeful. “We really have not started any of our advertising yet and we are still second in the polls and our opponents have spent almost up to one million dollars, so we’re very pleased”.

State GOP fights back against Louisiana Dems

Yesterday I pointed out how the state Democrats have a big double standard when it comes to negative campaigning. Today state Republican Party responded to the Democrats' press release.

From Bayoubuzz.com

Villere to Dems: ‘Tell the Truth!’

Yesterday, Mike Skinner, Chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, issued a press release about so-called negative attacks by U.S. Congressman David Vitter. Unfortunately, Mr. Skinner and the Democratic Party were off base and left out an important element…the truth.“It’s only two days after Labor Day and the old political machine is already in full blown attack mode. Only the Louisiana Democratic Party can get away with a negative attack by calling another candidate negative.

If one looks at the facts, it is clear that U.S. Congressman David Vitter is making factual statements about his record compared to his opponents. It is unfortunate that the Louisiana Democratic Party would rather spin a negative than discuss their candidate’s stances on the issues,” said Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Roger Villere.

Facts:

* First paid advertisement of any U.S. Senate Candidate was Chris John. In the ad, he stated, “President Bush´s priorities are wrong for Louisiana.” Louisiana Political Fax Weekly, John Maginnis, 8/27/04

* U.S. Senate Candidates Chris John, John Kennedy, and Arthur Morrell are supporting John Kerry for President

* On April 6th, U.S. Senate Candidates Chris John, John Kennedy and Arthur Morrell told realtors that they opposed a proposed federal regulation that would allow banks to get into the real-estate brokerage business. Times Picayune, Jan Moller, 4/7/04 On August 27, John Kennedy and Arthur Morrell told the bankers that they support the move. The Advocate, Marsha Schuler, 8/28/04

· On July 15, Chris John was the only member of the Louisiana delegation not to support an amendment to prevent American tax dollars going to pay for United Nations election monitors to observe our elections. House Roll Call Vote 385, 7/15/04

Louisiana Democrats hypocrites for decrying Vitter for negative attacks

Local Democrats are apparently taking their cue from their presidential nominee and are flip flopping on negative attacks. Here's a press release the state Democratic party released today criticizing Vitter for negative campaign rheortic.

From Bayoubuzz.com

U.S. Rep and GOP Senate candidate David Vitter has hit the airwaves with negative radio advertisements that criticize his Democratic opponents and demonstrate Vitter’s own lack of a positive vision for Louisiana’s future.

(snip)

According to The Times-Picayune, Vitter’s radio spots tell “listeners of conservative radio that while the Metairie Republican backs President Bush for re-election, his three Democratic opponents ‘support Massachusetts liberal John Kerry’ for president.”[1][1][1]
Vitter then goes on to specifically criticize one of his Democratic opponents without naming him.

“It’s unfortunate that the first words many Louisianians will hear from David Vitter come in the form of negative attacks,” said Mike Skinner, Chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party. “There are real and serious issues facing Louisianians that need to be addressed in a positive manner.”

So now the Democrats don't like negative campaiging? I suppose they haven't dared to engage in negative attacks, goodness no. Or have they?

Let's see, here's some negative attacks to date:

“David Vitter was wrong to oppose the creation of the Commission,” said Derek Wooley, Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party. “David Vitter is also wrong for Louisiana and wrong for our country.” Bayoubuzz.com, 7/22/04

“David Vitter abandoned Louisiana´s workers when they needed him the most, cutting their only lifeline during a time of economic distress,” said Mike Skinner, Chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party. “If David Vitter wants to understand the plight of Louisiana’s workers, he might try talking with them instead of bringing his friends from Washington down here.” Bayoubuzz.com, 8/2/04

“This is a classic case of Republican double speak. David Vitter is pulling the wool over the workers’ eyes, snatching the carpet out from under their feet and stealing food off their tables all the while proclaiming to be a friend,” said Derek Wooley, Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party. “If David Vitter thinks he can ignore the needs of Louisiana’s workers, he’s going to find out first hand what unemployment is like.”Bayoubuzz.com, 8/2/04

“It’s no secret that David Vitter puts the interests of national Republicans above the interests of Lousianaians,” said Mike Skinner, Chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party. “What’s shocking is David Vitter’s hypocrisy in claiming to run a ‘Louisiana-based campaign’[4][4] at the same time national Republicans are criss-crossing the state stumping for him.” Bayoubuzz.com, 8/10/04

What can I say but, checkmate.

By the way, if you wish to see where Vitter stands on the issues, check out this post. Or just go to his official campaign website.

Proposed consitutional amendment would have limited power to increase taxes (John voted no)

With the Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, every now and then they try to limit government's power to tax and spend. On June 12th, 2002 the House took up a constitutional amendment that would have limited tax increases to a two thirds vote in the House.

Here is a summary of the amendment:

Requires that any bill, resolution, or other legislative measure changing the internal revenue laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the Members of that House voting and present, unless the bill is determined at the time of adoption, in a reasonable manner prescribed by law, not to increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. States that for purposes of determining any increase, there shall be excluded any increase resulting from the lowering of an effective rate of any tax. Requires journal entry of any vote.

Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.

The amendment was cosponsered by almost every Republican in Louisiana's congressional delegation, David Vitter, Billy Tauzin, John Cooksey, and Richard Baker. The amendment received the yea votes of all of the above plus Sheveport Republican Jim McCrery.

On the other hand, Louisiana's two Democrats, Bill Jefferson of New Orleans and Chris John, both voted against.

Coupled with the Spending Control Act, this further proves that Chris John is not interested in limiting government's power to tax and spend in any meaningful way.

Amendment Summary.

Roll Call Vote.

La Dems criticize Vitter (sort of)

Sometimes listening to Democrats just brings a smile to my face. Here's a bit from their latest press release.

Excerpted from Bayoubuzz.com

BATON ROUGE – U.S. Rep. and GOP Senate candidate David Vitter is skipping his party’s convention this week, attempting to distance himself from his congressional voting record. Over the past two years, David Vitter has voted in lockstep with the Bush administration and House Republicans, putting their interests above the interests of ordinary Louisianians.

In the last two years…

Percent of the time David Vitter voted with House Republican leaders: 99%

Percent of the time David Vitter voted with the Bush administration: 96%

[CQ Voting Studies; Roll Call Votes]

Okay, now. As I recall, Bush is leading Kerry by double digits in Louisiana (as he is doing nationwide). So we could say that the interests of ordinary Louisianans and the Bush administration very much coincide. I'd say the problem is not the Republican candidate, it's the Democrat's chosen candidate Chris John, who is saying he voted with Bush 51% of the time but thinks Kerry would be a better commander in chief than Bush.

This from the party of "Two Americas!" There seems to be two John Kerrys, two Chris Johns, etc...

Listen to a real conservative Democrat

While Louisiana's Democrats are generally thought to be conservative, many of them, including all of the candidates for Senate, our two senators, and our governor, are backing liberal Democrat John Kerry for president. At the Republican Convention this past week, Senator Zell Miller of Georgia showed what's truly at stake in this election, and he pulled no punches in showing how weak Kerry's record is on defense. How nice it would be if our own Democrats realized how big a risk it is to put Kerry in the White House in this time of war, but it seems intellectual honesty is sorely lacking among some in our state.

Read the RNC transcript here.

Vitter makes his pitch on radio

From The Times Picayune

Rep. David Vitter has started running ads for his U.S. Senate campaign, telling listeners of conservative radio that while the Metairie Republican backs President Bush for re-election, his three Democratic opponents "support Massachusetts liberal John Kerry" for president. The ad also criticizes one of his Democratic opponents, Rep. Chris John, without naming him, for voting against a resolution that would have denied financing for U.N. elections officials to monitor the Nov. 2 elections. John has said that the GOP amendment was a political grandstanding because, in fact, there was no money in the federal budget to assist U.N. observers. John said he also opposes sending in international observers for the Nov. 2 elections. The other major Senate candidates are Democratic state Treasurer John Kennedy of Madisonville and state Rep. Arthur Morrell, D-New Orleans.

Hmmm....pointing out that the Democrats support Kerry, Chris John's vote on UN funding, do you think Congressman Vitter visits my site?

Be a part of a candidates forum!

From Bayoubuzz.com.

Press Release:

Audience members are needed for "It´s Your Vote: The Race for U.S. Senate," a candidates forum to be televised live on Cox 10 in Greater New Orleans & other cable systems throughout Louisiana

WHERE: Xavier University - University Center - Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor

WHEN: Sunday, September 19, 2004 Live broadcast 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Doors open at 6:30PM

WHO: Hosted & produced by Xavier University of Louisiana, co-sponsored and televised by Cox Communications New Orleans, the Press Club of New Orleans and the Louisiana Cable & Telecommunications Association.

Xavier University of Louisiana presents a U.S. Senate candidates public forum, "It´s Your Vote: The Race for US Senate" on Sunday evening, September 19, 2004 at the University Center, Grand Ballroom.

The hour-long televised forum is being co-sponsored by Cox Communications New Orleans, the Press Club of New Orleans and the Louisiana Cable & Telecommunications Association (LCTA). It will air LIVE at 7:00 PM on the Cox 10 cable channel in the metropolitan New Orleans viewing area; it will also be carried live by other cable delivery systems throughout the state of Louisiana, courtesy of the LCTA.

The forum will feature the four major declared candidates hoping to capture the office of U.S. Senator from Louisiana including Chris John, John Kennedy, Arthur Morrell and David Vitter.

The forum will be moderated by Warren Bell, the Associate Vice President for University & Media Relations at Xavier and a former Press Club president. Panelists will include print and broadcast journalists from diverse regional media outlets. The forum will be videotaped and replayed prior to the primary election on Cox Communications cable TV systems, as well as other cable systems throughout Louisiana.

Our latest addition to the blog: Louisiana Dems support Kerry

As the presidential campaign gears up, I thought I would provide Louisiana voters with a reminder as to who is backing him and his liberal views. "Conservative" Democrats like Chris John and John Kennedy have no problem picking Kerry over Bush, while true conservatives like Rodney Alexander and Zell Miller are sticking with the best man to lead this country in this time of war.

So again, my fellow readers, Louisiana's Democratic senate candidates support Kerry!

Internet and Louisiana campaigns

Steve Sabludowsky had an interesting piece today on the role of the internet in Louisiana's elections this year.

From Bayoubuzz.com

“Too good”, or “too bad”

It might just depend upon how you like your bread spamed.

The Louisiana elections are certainly taking to the Internet to get out their message. Some say it is a powerful way to engage in political “free speech” to an audience that can read.

Some of these emails are very targeted like radio station commercials. The difference is the air waves are essentially free and the Internet costs time and money to remove unwanted electronic mail. John Kennedy, who is running for U.S. Senate continues to pay to use a New Orleans African American-based newsletter to showcase his support within the New Orleans black ministers. Ultimately, it is up to the voters and the subscribers to determine if this type of campaigning is intrusive.

The Louisiana Democratic Party is continuing to use the power of the Internet to criticize David Vitter’s voting record. Yesterday, the focus was on Vitter’s vote regarding LAChip program. The email was coupled with a request to join a telephone conference to discuss Vitter, and the health insurance issue.

(snip)

The State Democratic Party has been particularly active. Yesterday, it sent out an emailer criticizing the Bush administration and quoting Congressman William Jefferson who is a candidate for the Second Congressional District.

More locally, or perhaps, even more nationally, Bobby Jindal who is running for Congress in the First Congressional District announced, of course, by electronic mail that Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert has agreed to come to Kenner on September 16 to do a fundraiser for his campaign. Within the electronic mail was a link to a page where supporters could make contributions.

The Chris John for Senate campaign is also utilizing the Internet by sending out daily updates and by blogging. According to the John campaign, Chris John is personally engaging in the blog writing and is getting national recognition for his efforts by the National Democratic Party.

All of these efforts show a marked change in political use of the Internet, even in Louisiana. Some of these tactics might seem over-the-top and others might appear within the clear boundaries of acceptable practices. The end result is that more people are online at home and at work and on the wireless road. The Internet has always received the promise of being the great democratizer. Depending upon how this new means of communication is being used, it could end up being the “great demonizer”.

In case anyone was wondering, Vitter Blog was not mentioned in the story.

The internet is certainly going to play a prominent role in political campaigning. But just as Chris John has his blog and the Democrats have their email notices, we here will do our part to spread Vitter's and the Republicans' conservative message to Louisiana voters this fall.