Inside Politics for August 12, 2012
Edwin Edwards, wife want to have child
Former Gov. Edwin Edwards turned 85 Tuesday with hopes of becoming a father again by his next birthday.
Edwards and his wife, Trina, said they plan to start trying for a baby beginning in October.
“I have four children and Trina has two. They’re all doing well. We realize this is a rather unusual situation, but it’s something we’d both like to do,” the former governor said in a telephone interview.
Edwards married his now 32-year-old wife last year in New Orleans. They met while he was serving a federal prison sentence on racketeering charges.
After reversing a vasectomy, the former governor tried unsuccessfully to have a child with this second wife, Candy.
Edwards said he favors the names Evangeline and Gabriel for a baby with his third wife.
Trina Edwards said she wants to share as many experiences as possible with her husband for the short amount of time they likely have together.
“We’ve been discussing it for awhile,” she said. “I never thought I wanted to have more kids until I married Edwin. I know I don’t have him for long.”
Wisc. governor set
to attend fundraiser
In May, Gov. Bobby Jindal flew to Wisconsin to attend a rally for the state’s governor, Scott Walker, when Walker was facing a recall effort that failed.
Now it is Walker’s turn to accumulate air miles.
Jindal and Walker are headlining a state Republican Party fundraiser Aug. 17 in New Orleans.
“We sent (Walker) an invitation. I think the governor also sent him a formal invite,” state GOP executive director Jason Doré said.
Tickets start at $5,000 per couple. A photo reception is $10,000 per couple.
The event will take place at Calcasieu in the Warehouse District.
Four former La. governors reunite
Former Govs. Edwin Edwards, Kathleen Blanco, Mike Foster and Buddy Roemer got together for dinner in Lafayette last week.
Blanco’s spokeswoman, Marie Centanni, joked that it was the inaugural meeting of the Louisiana former governors’ club.
Just don’t ask what was discussed.
“Meeting minutes are subject to the executive privilege public records exemption,” Centanni joked.
Angelle not asking Jindal for race help
Former state Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Angelle said he does not expect Gov. Bobby Jindal to hit the campaign trail for him in his bid for the Public Service Commission.
Angelle, a Republican, worked as the governor’s legislative liaison in addition to serving in his cabinet.
“I’ve not asked for the governor’s help in this race and I would not expect it.
“I’m going to take my campaign out and I’m going to work hard,” Angelle said.
Ex-Holden aide eyed for legislative post
Late last month, John Carpenter said he needed a break from work when he quit his job as Mayor-President Kip Holden’s chief administrative officer.
His vacation may be cut short.
Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, said Tuesday that Carpenter is in the mix to temporarily serve as legislative fiscal officer.
Before working for Holden, Carpenter worked for the Legislature and the Jindal administration.
The position of legislative fiscal officer is important to the workings of state government. The Legislative Fiscal Office analyzes the governor’s revenue and spending proposals for the Legislature.
Gordon Monk retired as fiscal officer last week after 33 years in state government.
Alario said the plan is to pick a temporary successor and then settle on a permanent hire next calendar year. He said Carpenter and others he would not name are under consideration for the temporary job.
“John does come with a lot of qualifications,” Alario said.
Carpenter did not return a call seeking comment.
Socialist Workers certified for ballot
The Socialist Workers Party last week became the first political party to be certified for ballot status in the November presidential election.
The certification process for independent candidate filing opened last Tuesday and runs through Sept. 7.
Socialist Workers Party presidential nominee is James Harris, a trade unionist who ran in 1996 and 2000.
Socialist Workers candidate for vice president Maura DeLuca paid a $500 qualifying fee and filed the names of its eight electors — one from each congressional district and two statewide.
“We are trying to give a voice to the struggles of the working people,” said DeLuca, who worked as a welder at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing in Lincoln, Neb.
DeLuca said the party hopes to be on the ballot in at least eight states.
Legislators graded poorly tout marks
Legislators receiving poor grades last week from the Louisiana Family Forum took to Twitter to defend their marks.
“I’m personally proud of my low rating,” state Rep. Marcus Hunter, D-Monroe, tweeted.
State Rep. Ted James, D-Baton Rouge, said he votes his conscience and the will of his district.
“Proud to report that the ultra-conservative Family Forum gave me an ‘F’ and labeled me as ‘hostile,’ ” he tweeted.
The Louisiana Family Forum characterizes itself as committed to defending faith, freedom and the traditional family.
The organization graded legislators based on how they voted on certain issues, including student bullying and abortion.
LSU leaders slated
to address Press Club
LSU interim President and Chancellor William Jenkins will address the Press Club at noon Monday.
Jenkins will discuss current trends in higher education and the challenges that lie ahead.
Press Club meets on Mondays at the De La Ronde Hall in downtown Baton Rouge at 320 Third St. Lunch, which is served at 11:30 a.m., is $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
The public is invited, but only members of the Press Club and members of the news media are allowed to ask questions during the question-and-answer portion of the program.
Rep. Cassidy to speak at GOP Roundtable
U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy will be the speaker for Wednesday’s meeting of the Ascension GOP Roundtable sponsored by Ascension Republican Women.
The Roundtable begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Plantation Room at SNO’s Seafood and Steak Restaurant, 13131 Airline Highway, Gonzales.
Cassidy is a practicing physician who serves Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District. Currently in his second term in the House, Cassidy serves on the Energy & Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over domestic policy.
He is an assistant whip for the House Republican Conference, and is also a member of the GOP Health Care Task Force.
Cost for the lunch is $20. The event is open to the public and guests are welcome. Reservations are requested. RSVP at (225) 644-5728 or email: ARWrUS@aol.com.
Compiled by the
Capitol news bureau