Ringside Politics With A Punch

Despite hype from the Democrats in Congress, President Obama and the national news media about a supposed economic recovery, Americans understand that our economy is in shambles. A new report shows that consumer confidence is now dropping once more after a slight increase in the last few months. The official consumer confidence index fell in February to 46, down 11 points from January. This rating reflects the horrible job market in this country. The current unemployment rate of 9.7 percent does not indicate the real situation with our economy. When those who have given up the job search and those who have been forced to take part-time jobs are included, the real unemployment rate in the nation approaches 20 percent. With one in five Americans out of work or under employed, it is easy to see why there is declining consumer confidence.

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.