GOP may have to pick favorites in some races

With Republican registration picking up and GOP candidates running for and claiming more offices, the volatile process of having to pick a favorite child in a high-profile race is here to stay.
Sources say the chess pieces are already being moved around for U.S. Sen. David Vitter’s run for governor.
“I can’t imagine David Vitter not pushing for it next year,” said a party source.
“He’ll be able to use the same (Republican State Central Committee members) that are helping Bill Cassidy get his endorsement sewn up.”
Those watching Cassidy’s race closely suspect Vitter has a hand in helping him get the party’s backing.
Yet Cassidy’s stealth campaign won’t present the same kind of challenges Vitter will face in trying to edge out Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne for the party’s endorsement in 2015.
“I think those two guys are just going to have to slug it out and see what happens,” a source said.
The still-developing 6th Congressional District field, which is bogged down with several Republican candidates, will probably stir up a similar conversation in the coming weeks and months as well.

Mrs. EWE
will help
count money
In advance of fundraising for his 6th Congressional District run, former Gov. Edwin Edwards has filed his statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission.
Listed as the assistant treasurer for the Friends of Edwin W. Edwards account is possibly one of his best, wife Trina Edwards.
Rachelle Marks of Arnaudville signed the document as the campaign’s lead treasurer. Postlewaite & Netterville may be handling compliance, though, as the FEC report was mailed from its Baton Rouge office.

Harson claims
he’s victim of
“rumor” campaign
District Attorney Mike Harson of Lafayette told LaPolitics he is “definitely” seeking re-election this fall, despite a well-funded challenge from his former assistant Keith Stutes.
“I’ve heard the rumors and they are not true,” Harson said. “I’m running. Why would I be raising all this money? Just to have to return it to people?”
Harson added that his campaign finance account will have collected nearly $500,000 by the beginning of June, if not more – a sizable amount for a district attorney’s race.
Stutes, who recently produced his first TV spot, reported having more than $200,000 in the bank earlier this year.
Harson also mailed a letter to constituents recently apologizing for “the involvement of three employees in a bribery scheme” and asking them not to let it cloud their election decisions.
The ongoing investigation over DWI cases has not been connected back to Harson directly.
In a prepared statement sent to LaPolitics, Stutes said he asked Harson about the program that led to the investigation when he worked for the district attorney.
“The investigation and its results brought shame and embarrassment to the office. We did not receive an explanation, nor a response, much less an apology,” Stutes said.
“He claims that he has been ‘cleared’ by the investigations, but has yet to explain how a criminal conspiracy, centered on a special program he created and in which his approval was required in every single case, could have gone on without his knowledge and consent.”

They Said It
“I don’t think there is anywhere left to carry a gun.”
-Rep. Barbara Norton on a bill allowing concealed carry permit holders to bring guns into bars.

“I don’t know that I necessarily trust legislators with guns.”
-Sen. J.P. Morrell on legislation allowing lawmakers to carry guns.

For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com or follow Maginnis and Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.