Washington Briefs for Monday, Sept. 10, 2012

U.S. Rep. Jeff Landry, R-New Iberia, has the support of Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, a former Baton Rouge state legislator, in Landry’s re-election bid against fellow incumbent and Rep. Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette.

Perkins, who heads the socially conservative Washington, D.C., organization, is backing Landry as the “true conservative” in the race.

“Congressman Landry is a true conservative and has the voting record to prove it,” Perkins said in the announcement.

“He is a true advocate for the issues that best uphold and strengthen families, and we are proud to support his candidacy.”

Landry rode the tea-party wave to Congress in 2010 and is attempting to paint Boustany as not being a “true conservative” as well.

Perkins continued to support Missouri congressman and U.S. Senate candidate, Todd Akin, after the Republican Party separated itself from the congressman because of his comments on “legitimate rape” and pregnancy.

Akin has since apologized about the comments.

Landry and Boustany are pitted against each other because of congressional redistricting that places them in the same redrawn 3rd District that encompasses southwestern Louisiana, including much of Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary parishes.

Boustany has not focused on promoting endorsements thus far, but his campaign did point to support from GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan.

While Ryan has not endorsed Boustany, the political action committee for the Wisconsin congressman did recently give Boustany a maximum, $5,000 contribution.

Most Louisiana Republicans, thus far, have opted out of endorsing either Landry or Boustany.

Sen. David Vitter, R-La., co-hosted some forums with Landry last year and previously backed him.

But Vitter also is staying out of the race, at least thus far, according to his staff.

Landry and Boustany are joined in the Nov. 6 election with Lake Charles attorney and Democrat Ron Richard, as well as Republican Bryan Barrilleaux and Libertarian Jim Stark.

Wetlands report

The America’s WETLAND Foundation, of New Orleans, is set to release a new report Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol on the sustainability of the Gulf Coast.

The report is called, “Beyond Unintended Consequences: Adaptation for Gulf Coast Resiliency and Sustainability.”

The report’s 30 recommendations are based on research, testimony and dialogue that took place at leadership forums held in 11 communities across the Gulf Coast in 2011 and 2012.

The report will offer a roadmap for adaptation and long-term sustainability, beginning with an urgent need for federal policy changes, according to the foundation.

Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., Vitter and Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne are among those expected to participate at the event.

Scalise delivers GOP address

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, recently delivered the national Weekly Republican Address in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac.

Scalise thanked the public for their support and praised the resiliency of Louisiana residents.

“During this disaster, we’ve seen neighbors helping each other and people coming together to ensure the safety of their loved ones,” Scalise said.

“That’s what we in Louisiana do. That’s what Americans do. In tough times, we strive harder, we remember what’s most important to us, and we fight to protect it.”

Because it is intended as a partisan address, the discussion turned political and he focused on Republican efforts to lower gas prices and to protect small business tax cuts.

“This includes proposals to develop an ‘all-of-the-above’ strategy that safely increases our domestic energy production while creating thousands of American jobs and reducing our dependence on Middle Eastern oil,” Scalise said.

“Instead of paying $4 at the pump and being one natural disaster away from price spikes, we should have the certainty and stability that comes from relying on our own energy resources.”

Jordan Blum is chief of The Advocate Washington bureau. His email address is jblum@theadvocate.