State of Louisiana Archives: on Principles & Values
Adrian Perkins:
Welcomes pastors praying during protest over police violence
How to use the momentum to make changes in Shreveport in terms of race, Perkins said, a great first step would be to support the protesters who would love to have all the pastors come out and pray over the vigil. "These are some brave
souls who are risking their lives by going out and demonstrating," Perkins said of the protesters. "How much of a humane act is it to just come out and pray for people? Things like that go a very long way in reconciling."
Source: The Shreveport Times on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Bill Cassidy:
Despite church-vs-state, religious beliefs guide convictions
Q: Do you promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles?A: Yes.
Q: What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
A: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech." -- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment prevents the state sponsorship or discrimination of a religion, but it does not prevent us from
expressing our faith, assembling to worship, or letting our religious beliefs guide our convictions.
Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values?
A: I am a practicing Christian who believes Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and I try to live my life each day with values that reflect that.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Adrian Perkins:
Family taught me faith and hard work leads to accomplishment
I come from a neighborhood in Shreveport called Cedar Grove, and very often times were tough. My grandparents, my stepfather, and my brothers were always there to guide and support me. My mother worked multiple jobs so our family could make ends meet.
Even when times were toughest, she never buckled under the pressure. As a family, we persisted, and they made me the man I am today by showing me that through faith and hard work, I could accomplish anything.
Source: 2020 Louisiana Senate campaign website PerkinsForLA.com
Aug 18, 2020
Adrian Perkins:
Bring Louisiana values of service, honesty, courage to DC
Our nation is being ravaged by a deadly virus and an economic crisis that's only being compounded by the political games in Washington. Times like this call for leadership, and that's why I'm running for United States Senate. It's time
to take our shared Louisiana values of service, honesty, and courage to Washington, D.C. It's time for Louisiana to have a Senator who isn't afraid to stand up to special interests and who will protect our health care, our jobs, and our kids' future.
Source: 2020 Louisiana Senate campaign website PerkinsForLA.com
Aug 18, 2020
Adrian Perkins:
Awarded Sam Cooke apology; posthumous Key to the City
Legendary singer Sam Cooke received a public apology for the racially motivated mistreatment he suffered in 1963 at the hands of hotel staff and law enforcement while performing in Shreveport. Perkins posthumously awarded the "King of Soul"
the key to the city at the Let the Good Times Roll Festival. "I'm so honored that Mayor Perkins took the time to do the apology while I was performing at the festival," said the singer's daughter, Carla Cooke, accepting the honor on her father's behalf.
Source: The New York Post on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Jun 24, 2020
Adrian Perkins:
Hosted online interfaith prayer service
Perkins is continuing his efforts to offer hope to the community during these uncertain times.
Mayor Perkins will hold a second online Interfaith Prayer Service. Area faith leaders will give messages of encouragement from their respective traditions. The Mayor said there will also be a special guest that is sure to lift your spirits.
Source: The ArkLaTex Homepage on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Apr 21, 2020
Antoine Pierce:
Running because I have a heart for humanity
On why he's running: "I'm running for U.S. Senate because I have a heart for humanity," Pierce says on his website. "Somewhere along the way in the height of hyperpartisanship, tribalism, and political polarization,
we've lost our way and forgotten what's most important. In this great tapestry of ethnicities, cultures, and beliefs in our world, there's a single thread that ties us all: our humanity."
Source: Big Easy Magazine on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Mar 4, 2020
Antoine Pierce:
Community organizer who understands real challenges
"I'm not a doctor or lawyer. I'm a public servant and community organizer who understands the real struggles and challenges our community faces," said Pierce. "Louisiana doesn't need another rich politician who is supported by the elite.
I've also seen firsthand how empowering our community and can reshape our community. If we want our government to represent our interests then we must elect a Senator who understands our interests and where we come from."
Source: Newswire on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Aug 14, 2019
Adrian Perkins:
Launched run for mayor while at Harvard Law School
Perkins launched his run for mayor during his 3L year at HLS. He expected he would practice law. But the allure of going home proved too strong, particularly when his city was losing jobs and experiencing a high crime rate. He pointed to his life
experience: the first African American class president at West Point, eight years serving in the Army, student government president at Harvard Law, and a deep history with and commitment to Shreveport. He won the election with 64% of the vote.
Source: Harvard Law Today on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Jul 30, 2019
John Bel Edwards:
Faith plays a central role in his life and work
A devout Roman Catholic in a state with a devout Protestant majority, Mr. Edwards talks openly about his faith and the central role it plays in his life and work. The first thing he did in his victory speech [in November 2015] was thank
God. "Our faith is important, and I know we're called to give thanks in all things," he tells me, explaining his remarks on election night. "So I did that, and it was heartfelt because I've now been given the opportunity to be the governor."
"The Catholic faith has been central to our family just as long as I can remember," he says. "I'm fortunate that my mother is still alive, and she still attends Mass just about every day." What he wants to hand on to his three children
is not just a way of talking about the Catholic faith, but an example of how to live it. "Even when we're on vacation," his daughter said in a campaign commercial in 2015, her father "will find out where the Mass is, what time the Mass is."
Source: America Magazine on 2019 Louisiana gubernatorial race
Dec 14, 2018
John Bel Edwards:
Only Democratic governor in the Deep South
A new poll shows strong approval ratings for Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, but his re-election chances would still be in peril against the strongest Republican challengers in a heavily red state. Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy's poll showed
Edwards, the only Democratic governor in the Deep South, with a 55 percent approval rating vs. only 31 percent disapproval.But despite his popularity, the poll shows a 2019 race between Republican U.S. Sen. John Kennedy or
Republican New Orleans Congressman Steve Scalise would be neck and neck. Edwards posts a stronger showing against 5th District Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham. Kennedy and Abraham have both said they're considering challenging
Edwards in 2019, while Scalise has shown no interest so far. The poll shows Edwards with a 45-44 lead over Kennedy, well within the margin of error, and a 46-43 lead over Scalise.
Source: The News-Star on 2019 Louisiana Gubernatorial race
Mar 1, 2018
Clay Higgins:
Freedom OF religion, not the freedom FROM religion
DC and the PC liberals need to be reminded that our 1st Amendment guarantees the freedom OF religion... not the freedom FROM religion.
Ironically, DC/PC--who commonly rant about some perceived correlation between the forced distribution of wealth and Christian values, citing the Biblical call to care for the poor--also need to be reminded of the difference between TAXING, and TITHING.
Source: 2016 Louisiana House campaign website CaptainHiggins.com
Dec 10, 2016
John Neely Kennedy:
Belief in Jesus informs every decision I make
Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.A: I am a Christian and believe that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. That belief informs every decision I make and my commitment to serve the public.
Q: What in the nature of mankind caused America's Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
A: It was only by God's divine providence that our founders established the Constitution and the checks and balances that now define our great nation.
They understood fully that the authority to govern must be entrusted to the people and not to a select few in power.
Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on 2016 Louisiana Senate race
Dec 10, 2016
Thomas Clements:
Why not keep God in the public sphere?
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Keep God in the public sphere"?
A: Why not? vouchers OK for church childcare and church schools.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Louisiana Senate race by OnTheIssues
Jul 31, 2016
Joseph Cao:
First Vietnamese-American to serve in Congress
A former New Orleans congressman made an announcement few would find surprising. Joseph Cao is running for the U.S. Senate. Cao's official entrance into the race dovetails neatly with the sentiments of a private holiday email he sent to family and
friends in December. "Sen. Vitter will not be running for re-election, so this is a great opportunity to have a Vietnamese-American/Asian-American voice in the U.S. Senate," Cao wrote.
Anh "Joseph" Cao, a New Orleans attorney and the first Vietnamese American to serve in Congress, plans to join the race to succeed Vitter, who is retiring at the end of his term. Cao made history by unseating
Rep. Bill Jefferson as he fought federal corruption allegations. Jefferson eventually went to prison and Cao served one term before losing to Democrat Cedric Richmond in 2010.
Source: Times-Picayune on 2016 Louisiana Senate race
Mar 1, 2016
Rob Maness:
Call out those who don't have interests of US & her citizens
Col. Robert Maness (USAF Ret.) announced his bid for Louisiana's open Senate seat. In an exclusive interview, Maness discusses:- The difference between someone `bringing their A-game' versus `being a B-student' in the Liberty Movement, especially
in the Senate.
- How conservative candidates should address ineffective leadership in state and federal legislatures.
- Why he believes that his experience in the United States Air Force makes him especially qualified to take on issues of national and
border security.
- How Congress should address the threat of ISIS and the use of military force against it.
- Why Col. Maness sees the ongoing struggles regarding Planned Parenthood, SOGI laws and the defense of the family as `liberty issues.'
-
How he plans to "call out" Republicans who do not have the interests of the United States and her citizens.
Source: Conservative Review on 2016 Louisiana Senate race
Jan 27, 2016
John Neely Kennedy:
I speak my mind, & some politicians call me a troublemaker
State Treasurer John Kennedy announced he is running for the seat being vacated by Sen. Vitter. After 15 years as the state's top accountant, Kennedy immediately worked to cast himself as an outsider: "I try not to be rude, but I speak my mind," he
said. "Some politicians call me a troublemaker, a misfit, a rebel, a square peg in a round hole, because I'm not part of the club. I think I make the right people mad. My job is to protect taxpayers, not seek the approval of my political peers."
Source: The New Orleans Times-Picayune on 2016 Louisiana Senate race
Jan 26, 2016
John Fleming:
Passionate conservative: Obama doesn't share our values
U.S. Rep. John Fleming, a Republican who represents north Louisiana, has become the first person to officially put his hat in the ring for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by David Vitter in 2017.
Fleming has held his congressional seat since 2009. The Republican made his announcement through a YouTube video Monday morning (Dec. 7).
He appears to be centering his campaign around an anti-Obama message, a successful strategy that helped U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy win his seat last year.
"As a passionate conservative, I can tell you that this president doesn't share our Louisiana values," Fleming said in the video.
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune on 2016 Louisiana Senate race
Dec 7, 2015
John Bel Edwards:
Four generations of sheriffs in family lineage
John Bel, as his friends and family know him, excelled in high school athletics and graduated as valedictorian. As one of eight children from a family long dedicated to public service, John Bel carries on the family tradition. With a father who was the
elected Sheriff of Tangipahoa Parish--the Edwards have four generations of Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs in their family lineage with John Bel's brother Daniel currently serving as Sheriff--John Bel learned the importance of public service at an early age.
Source: 2016 Senate campaign website, JohnBelForLouisiana.com
Aug 11, 2015
Bill Cassidy:
Agrees to one runoff debate; more if Obama visits
Bill Cassidy has agreed to one debate with Mary Landrieu during the runoff, but he added he'd do one additional debate for each time Pres. Obama campaigns for Landrieu. The debate will take place in Baton Rouge on Dec. 1, which is after the close of the
early voting period.Landrieu initially wanted six debates, which apparently will only happen if Obama makes five trips to the state. It's unlikely the unpopular president will make any trips to Louisiana.
"The issue here is who represents Louisiana
and who represents President Obama. I know I am with Louisiana. Sen. Landrieu would know that if she actually met with people instead of staged media events. We will have a debate and we will discuss exactly that," Cassidy said.
Landrieu wanted six
debates so the voters could "hear the candidates discuss the issues." Cassidy's minimal debate appearances has been a persistent talking point for Landrieu, who has criticized Cassidy saying he's running his race through attack ads on TV.
Source: The Times-Picayune on 2014 Louisiana Senate debate
Nov 6, 2014
Bill Cassidy:
No-show at Senate debate
Monday night's debate between candidates running for the Senate in Louisiana had a notable absence--Republican candidate Rep. Bill Cassidy and Sen. Mary Landrieu didn't let voters forget it. Time and time again, she hit Cassidy for failing to show up for
the debate--weaving the fact into answers on a variety of issues and her closing statement. "He does a lot of talking," she said, "but not a lot of showing up."According to published reports, Cassidy had agreed to only two debates--a Shreveport debate
held a few weeks ago, and a debate in Baton Rouge Wednesday. Cassidy said he wanted to spend more time meeting voters, but political insiders speculate that he is playing safe by avoiding possible gaffes in debates.
Cassidy's absence also meant that it
fell entirely to Landrieu's Tea Party challenger, Rob Maness, to engage in what has been the anti-Landrieu line of attack throughout the race: that she is a Washington insider who is too close to President Barack Obama.
Source: The Hill on 2014 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 27, 2014
Garret Graves:
Judeo-Christian framework is moral
Q: Efforts to bring Islamic law (shariah) to America do not pose a threat to our country and its Constitution?GRAVES: Strongly (Did not answer)
Q: Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited gover
GRAVES: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race
Sep 30, 2014
Ralph Abraham:
Judeo-Christian framework is moral; Shariah is a threat
Q: Efforts to bring Islamic law (shariah) to America do not pose a threat to our country and its Constitution?ABRAHAM: Strongly Disagree
Q: Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government?
ABRAHAM: Strongly Agree
Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values?
ABRAHAM:I have been a member of Alto Baptist Church for more than 50 years. My wife and I are both Christians and our faith is our foundation in all that we do..
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race
Sep 30, 2014
Bill Cassidy:
AdWatch: Receives ad money from billionaire Koch brothers
A new ad from the Democratic Senate Majority PAC hits Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Sen. Mary Landrieu's (D-LA) main Republican opponent, for his support from Koch Brothers-backed groups. The ad is the group's second in the state, where Landrieu has already
faced negative attacks from the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity focused on ObamaCare."Out of state billionaires, spending millions to rig the system and elect bill Cassidy. Their goal? Another politician bought and paid for," a narrator says in
the ad, as shots of the Kochs flash on the screen.
The ad charges that the Kochs want tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas, want to cut Social Security and "end Medicare as we know it," and "even tried to kill relief for hurricane victims."
"Cassidy's billion-dollar backers. They've got a plan for him--it's not good for Louisiana," the ad closes.
The billionaire Koch brothers have sunk at least $30 million into competitive House and Senate races since August of last year.
Source: AdWatch: The Hill on 2014 Louisiana Senate race
Mar 13, 2014
Rob Maness:
Support Tea Party challenger for Senate Majority Leader
Maness flexed his tea party muscles, saying that, if elected, he would not support Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., as the Republican leader in the Senate and would instead back a tea party alternative. "There comes a time when someone's been in
Washington too long and has lost touch," Maness said of McConnell. "Based on what I've seen, I would support somebody like a Rand Paul or a Ted Cruz to be the leader of the Republican Party in the Senate."
But Maness added that he doesn't think McConnell will even be around for another term. Like Landrieu, the Senate Minority Leader is up for re-election this year and is facing a full-frontal assault from the tea party in the GOP primary.
Maness said he favors conservative businessman Matt Bevin in the Kentucky contest.
Source: ABC News "14 For 14" project: 2014 Louisiana Senate race
Feb 15, 2014
Buddy Roemer:
Placed third in 1991 re-election bid
Roemer made a splash more than two decades ago in the Louisiana governor's race with his "slay the dragon" cry, defeating an incumbent snared in corruption investigations. Four years later, Roemer made an ignominious exit from the governor's mansion when
in a bid for re-election, he came in behind David Duke, a former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard. Mr. Roemer, who switched from the Democratic to the Republican party while governor, made one more failed run in 1995, then retreated to the private sector.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, "Longshot from Louisiana"
Mar 16, 2011
Buddy Roemer:
Publicly described himself as "a church-going Methodist boy"
Roemer described himself at the forum as "a church-going Methodist boy" and added a fervent "thank you, Jesus" when he recounted meeting his third wife, a church pianist. Roemer talks proudly of his successes in Louisiana: overhauling campaign-finance
laws, strengthening environmental protection, testing teachers for competency and balancing the state budget. But he also gained a reputation in the state as arrogant and aloof. "He wouldn't return calls. To anybody," said one state Senator.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, "Longshot from Louisiana"
Mar 16, 2011
David Vitter:
OpEd: robo-response to "Did you break the law" with DC Madam
At last night's debate, Vitter was once again in robo response mode when it came to questions regarding his "serious sin" and exposed ties to the D.C. Madam prostitution ring. One panelist asked Vitter directly whether the "serious sin" he admitted to in
2007 broke the law. "You're a lawyer," the panelist said. "Did you break the law?"Vitter's response: "You can look back. You can continue to write stories in the media about it. That's your decision. It's a free county. I looked the voters of
Louisiana in the eye. I spoke to them sincerely. I think they heard me and I think they understood me. And now I'm looking forward, I'm not looking back." The panelist and moderator followed up, asking Vitter the question again: "Did you break the law?
Yes or No." Vitter repeated his staid response. After the debate, Vitter was swarmed by reporters on his way out, who again peppered him with the question of whether he broke the law.
Source: Independent Weekly coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 29, 2010
Charles Melancon:
OpEd: Vitter broke the law, and lied about it, with DC Madam
One question Vitter repeatedly dodged had to do with whether he broke the law when he was linked to a D.C. prostitution ring in 2007. When a panelist told Vitter he would give him the opportunity to say "yes" or "no" and explain himself,
Vitter responded, "I'm not going to take that opportunity, because I think the voters of Louisiana have understood exactly what I said to them.""You've lied, broken the law, and embarrassed the state," responded Melancon.
Source: WWLTV Eyewitness coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 28, 2010
Charles Melancon:
Ran based on Vitter's integrity issue from call-girl scandal
Republican Sen. David Vitter again acknowledged unspecified "serious sins" but offered no new information on the prostitution scandal that broke in 2007 when he was linked to a Washington call girl ring run by the "D.C. Madam." In July 2007, Vitter was
linked by phone records to a Washington, D.C. escort service run by Deborah Jeane Palfrey, who committed suicide in 2008 after being convicted of running a prostitution ring.When the scandal broke, Vitter said in a news release that he had committed
a "serious sin," but he has steadfastly refused to say more about the matter and has avoided questions. With polls showing him leading in the current race, he has limited campaign appearances and used television ads to boost his conservative profile
and attack his Democratic opponent, Rep. Charlie Melancon.
Melancon said that issues of honesty and integrity were what prompted 11 people to seek Vitter's seat. "It's the reason everyone got into this race, to challenge Mr. Vitter," Melancon said.
Source: Miami Herald coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 27, 2010
John Neely Kennedy:
Ran for US Senate in 2004 as Democrat; & endorsed John Kerry
Kennedy never referred to McCain [at the latest debate], after two previous debates and several stump speeches in which he regularly talked of his support for the presidential nominee and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin. Kennedy also didn’t mention
Landrieu’s endorsement for Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama, an endorsement Kennedy has used to describe Landrieu as a “tax-and-spend liberal.”While Kennedy shifted his rhetoric, Landrieu largely continued hers--calling
Kennedy “confused” because he switched parties last year after running for the U.S. Senate in 2004 as a liberal Democrat who endorsed John Kerry for president.
Kennedy’s received significant fundraising and campaign help from the national
GOP, but some of that assistance appeared to be drying up Wednesday with reports that the National Republican Senatorial Committee will pull its ads next week and focus attention on embattled incumbents in other states.
Source: Associated Press on NOLA.com on 2008 Louisiana Senate Debate
Oct 16, 2008
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021