Nagin Endorsement, New Orleans City Council, LA Family Forum and More

LCRM Invests Heavily in Technology It’s all about Election Day for LCRM. They’re trying to succeed in an area where Democrats have traditionally dominated: Get Out the Vote. Parties, free give-a-ways, buses, Mardi Gras floats and paid block captains have all been used by Dems in the past to turn out their base. Republicans are looking to create a similar system that will likely be remarkably different. LCRM is presently spending about $20,000 per month with the New Orleans-based GCR and Associates for “computer database services.” Earlier this year, it also dropped an additional $90,000 for software development. It’s worth noting that ... (subscribe to read more) Who Will Nagin Endorse? At a Nagin administration meeting last week, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin indicated that he will support ... (subscribe to read more) LCRM Kicks Back Donation The Louisiana Committee for a Republican Majority has raised in excess of $1 million for its mission, funded largely by the state’s conservative cream. Many donors are forking over $100,000 in lump sums, like Bob Perry of Houston. Perry is best known for partly footing the bill on the "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" attacks during the 2004 presidential race. John Diez, LCRM’s executive director, has taken lumps for the link, but rightly argues that Democrats have seedy ties as well if one digs deep enough. He can also point to a plethora of similar donations worth their respect in gold, like $75,000 from New Orleans philanthropist Phyllis Taylor and $50,000 from the Shaw Group. Even John Georges, a businessman from Metairie who switched from the GOP to independent to run for governor this year, ponied up $75,000. And then there are ... (subscribe to read more) Taxing Times for John Georges In a televised debate this week, gubernatorial candidate John Georges told panelists that he had made his taxes available for view, a gutsy move for the independent with roughly 40 business ventures under his belt. Whether he let it slip by accident or made the announcement intentionally, Georges is sticking to his word, or at least saying he will. “John (Georges) hasn't signed his returns yet,” says John Hill, his media consultant. “They are being prepared by his accounting firm for filing Oct. 15.” Indeed, it was a rough week for Georges. The GOP is nipping at his heels, fearing the obvious – that’s he’s taking votes away from Republican frontrunner Bobby Jindal. A direct mail piece decrying Georges’ ties to video poker and cigarette sales was dropped and the party launched a Web site - http://www.georgesgonewild.com. The site has ... (subscribe to read more) Houma House District Leaning Dem Most of the polling coming out of Terrebonne’s and Lafourche’s House District 53 favors ... (subscribe to read more) Gene Mills Endorses Mike Walsworth Mike Walsworth has picked up another endorsement in his bid to be the next state senator in District 33. Gene Mills, head of Louisiana Family Forum, made the surprise announcement this morning. The LFF does not traditionally endorse candidates, but does issue a scorecard, which Walsworth has scored 100 percent on for four straight years. “Louisiana needs only the best this election season. I pray your success because I believe you are the best man for the job,” Mills wrote in his endorsement letter, “Your voice for families is strong. Your commitment to real reform is commendable. Your commitment to strong Senate leadership is necessary to move Louisiana forward.” Walsworth is running against Democrat Charlie McDonald of Bastrop for the area’s Senate seat. (Jeremy Alford) Melancon Takes On IRS U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, a Democrat from Napoleonville, is playing up his vote yesterday in support of legislation to whip the Internal Revenue Service into shape. The bipartisan Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007 would repeal the IRS’s authority to contract out tax collection work to private collection companies. The situation is actually more dire than you might think, and the proposed legislation should receive increased media attention in the near future. Under current law, the IRS is turning over confidential ... (subscribe to read more) Lentini’s Strategy Jefferson Parish insiders report that popular media consultant Greg Buisson will leave the Peter Dale campaign and sign up with Lentini, who has a much better chance of ... (subscribe to read more) City Council Contenders Among the 13 candidates in the at-large race, there are only a few significant candidates, such as the ones spending funds on advertising. Leading in the polls is former Councilman Jackie Clarkson. She has just begun a significant advertising buy and has placed prominent billboards throughout New Orleans. Polls show a real race for second place among ... (subscribe to read more) Georges at SUNO Rally Independent candidate for Governor John Georges participated in the rally yesterday at Southern University New Orleans. He spoke in favor of renovating the campus and delivered his signature water bottles to the marchers. In the last few weeks, Georges has made strides in attracting African American support. He has lined up prominent black ministers and has hired well known African American consultants, such as Dr. Silas Lee of Xavier University. This is an indication of the effort Georges

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