The state of Louisiana is one of the most unique places in the world. We live in a state with tremendous history, architecture and culture. We are blessed with the Mississippi River, countless bayous and waterways and bountiful natural resources which allow our state to earn the title of “sportsman’s paradise.”

I have a sad announcement to make. Politics is just no fun anymore in Louisiana.

Reams of books have been written about the colorful characters that ran the Bayou state throughout its history. And the average citizen got involved, attended rallies and actively supported their candidate of choice. Few states could match the intensity and enthusiasm that was a part of Louisiana campaigning. The state’s two favorite pastimes were LSU football and Politics.

Qualification for this fall’s gubernatorial election is less than five months away.  So far, there are only two races at the statewide level that are competitive. The governor’s race always draws a crowd, with Governor Edwards being challenged so far by two major and well-funded opponents.  The other major contest pits the incumbent insurance commissioner in the run for his political life against well-funded newcomer Tim Temple. Incumbents in the other statewide offices have no opposition so far. 

According to several watchdog organizations, Louisiana has one of the worst judicial climates in the country.  The state has been given the dubious title of the nation’s judicial hellhole by several neutral watchdog groups. Campaign funds given to a judicial candidate are often cited as possibly influencing future judicial decisions. Some are advocating the appointment of judges in order to do away with the pressure on judicial candidates to raise campaign contributions. So is this the solution? Is appointing rather than electing judges the way to go in Louisiana?

Presidential election season has kicked off earlier than usual with new democrat candidates appearing almost daily.  Fourteen announced candidates so far with others like former Vice President Joe Biden waiting in the wings.  The President is unopposed for now, but anti-Trump forces are searching for several good candidates.  So how relevant is Louisiana to the presidential primary process? Not much. But that could change.

How do you put a dollar value on the worth of a public official?  How about this idea. Shouldn’t receiving any salary increase be based on results? 

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron will pocket some three and a half million dollars this year, making him one of the highest-paid football coaches in the nation. He received such an enormous salary package based on results. It’s the old adage that you get what you pay for, and with Ed, LSU ended the football season winning10 games. 

Should time and work be the only criteria in paying public employees? Why not pay the governor, the secretary of economic development, the superintendent of education, and a cross section of other public officials that directly affect our lives based on a scale of how well they perform and what results they achieve? 

New Orleans Saints fans and practically the whole state of Louisiana are up in arms.  And for good reason. It’s become the most talked about call in the history of NFL football.  Simply put-the Saints got robbed.

Should US Senator John Kennedy on Monday decide to run for Louisiana governor, he has the wind blowing behind his back, at least, so it seems, based upon a just-released poll by Bernie Pinsonat.

Pinsonat has just released his annual winter poll and from all indications, he has ahead of John Bel Edwards, 49-45 percent. The elections take place next fall.

A ho-hum election day. That’s what Louisiana voters experienced a few weeks back. Now a runoff election is scheduled for December 8th with just a few choices for voters on the ballot. At the top of the ticket is the race to fill the void left by former Secretary of state Tom Scheduler who resigned from office under a cloud. And many political pundits and reporters were surprised over the first primary results.

Prior to casting your vote what do your favorite local candidates (or his/her competition) know about you? 

For years, prior to the Internet, data was somewhat difficult to obtain. Of course, candidates had access to voting history, not whom you voted for, but, at least, enough information to determine if you are a likely voter. But now, ever since you have allowed your fingers to do your online shopping, browsing and talking, data has exploded. There’s data from social media, online purchases and so much more.