Union gives support to Landry

The Washington, D.C.-area National Taxpayers Union’s political arm endorsed Rep. Jeff Landry, R-New Iberia, over Rep. Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette, in the 3rd District race Thursday.

The taxpayers organization is supporting a flat tax proposal, or the “FairTax,” that would create a national sales tax and rebate system to replace the current federal income tax structure.

In advertisements, Boustany has accused Landry of supporting a 23 percent sales tax increase. The “FairTax” could have a 23 percent tax rate for the first year, but it would replace federal income taxes.

Landry has countered that it is dishonest to say he backs a 23 percent tax hike.

“It’ll take a combination of tenacious veterans, recently tested tax-fighters and many energetic newcomers to get the nation’s finances back on the path to sustainability,” said National Taxpayers Union Campaign Fund President Duane Parde in the announcement. “Congressman Landry is an elite pro-taxpayer representative who will lead our country to a brighter fiscal future. He is truly a taxpayer ally and has the full support of NTUCF.”

Landry and Boustany are running against each other to represent southwestern Louisiana because of congressional redistricting. The state is losing a congressional seat.

Ron Richard, Republican Bryan Barrilleaux and Libertarian Jim Stark, all of Lake Charles, also are in the race.