Ringside Politics With A Punch

If Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu is elected Mayor of New Orleans and vacates the second highest office in Louisiana, there will be a frenzied scramble to replace him. Initially, Governor Bobby Jindal will name an interim replacement, but a special election will be called for next fall to fill the remainder of Landrieu’s term.

Already, statewide elected officials like Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and State Treasurer John Kennedy are being encouraged by supporters to run for the office. Legislators like State Representative Rick Gallot (D-Ruston), State Senators A.G. Crowe (R-Pearl River) and Mike Michot (R-Lafayette), as well as State Senate President Joel Chaisson (D-Destrehan) are also looking at a potential race. In addition, Mandeville businessman Paul Hollis, as well as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources Scott Angelle are also considering the race if the seat opens up.

While the jockeying continues, a political bombshell was dropped last week when Governor Bobby Jindal suggested that the position of Lt. Governor be eliminated. Jindal wants to explore the possibility that the duties of this position can be assumed by other statewide offices. Following his lead, State Representative Cameron Henry (R-Metairie) is working on legislation to eliminate the position. Henry said that there is support for his bill from legislators in both political parties. According to Henry, his bill will save state taxpayers about $10.5 million each year and will “streamline government” by eliminating the staff and budget of the office by dividing the Lt. Governor’s responsibilities among other state departments. 

There is a recent precedent for the elimination of a statewide elected position. In the wake of the conviction of former Elections Commissioner Jerry Fowler, his office was eliminated as a statewide elected position. The duties of the Elections Commissioner were assumed by an assistant in the Secretary of State’s office.