by Dr. Ed Chervenak, Political Science Professor, University of New Orleans

I have been following JBE’s first days in office. What we are seeing is the distinction of the politics of getting into office and the politics of governing. Once a candidate gains power, they are transformed. Where Edwards was the challenger and critic, he is now the head of the state government, and is responsible for its conduct.

Surprised?  Absolutely.

He’s not alone.  

On Wednesday, the President of the Monumental Task Committee, Pierre McGraw, filed a lawsuit in state court to stop the City of New Orleans from removing the Lee, Beauregard and Davis monuments.
McGraw cites a "constitutional right of the people to preserve their culture and history."

The horses are now in place for what might be a legendary budget showdown at the not-so-ok Louisiana capitol corral in Baton Rouge.

A new governor, Jon Bel Edwards, has inherited a nightmare of horror, a budgetary hole left by his predecessor, former Presidential hopeful and absentee landlord leader, republican Bobby Jindal, who is now living high on the hog at his own private mansion paid for the taxpayers.  Yet, Jindal’s boys and loyalists--  some who wear their hands dirty after sucking dry our well full of billion dollars, are now getting armed for the big fight.  And, it’s a’comin.