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Jeff Crouere's Ringsidepolitics Website
In Louisiana, politics is practiced very differently from any
other state in the country. First of all, there is the legacy of
corruption from the days of Huey P. Long that still haunts the
state. The last three Insurance Commissioners went to jail, as did
the former Elections Commissioner and the infamous former Governor
of the State, Edwin Edwards. In fact, in 1991, his last election,
Edwards was elected over former KKK leader David Duke in the
run-off. With a choice like that, citizens all over Louisiana
pasted "Vote for the Crook, it’s important" bumper
stickers on their cars.
This type of dreadful choice was produced by the open primary
system, otherwise known as the "jungle primary." In
Louisiana, there are no party primaries and candidates from all
parties run in the primary election, with the top two making the
general election. This creates a political system that does not
prioritize party affiliation. For example, in the Louisiana
Legislature, party labels are almost meaningless. From this
environment came Democratic State Senator Mike Foster, candidate
for Governor in 1995. After spending the vast majority of his
adult life as a Democrat, Foster switched his affiliation to the
Republican Party on the day he qualified for Governor. Therefore,
it should come as no surprise to anyone that as Governor Mike
Foster continues to act more like a Democrat. Last week, many
Republicans acted outraged over his non-endorsement of Republican
U.S. Senate candidate Suzanne Haik Terrell in her race against
incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu; however, Republicans
should realize that his latest action is part of a longstanding
Foster pattern.
Foster is not a conservative who believes in smaller
government. The state budget has grown by over $6 billion during
Foster's two terms in office. His Chief of Staff Andy Kopplin is a
lifelong Democrat who was a strong supporter of former President
Bill Clinton and worked hard for the Clinton-Gore team in
Louisiana in 1992. While in office, Foster has continued to
champion tax increases, like plans named after State
Representative Vic Stelly: Stelly I and Stelly II. Last Tuesday,
Stelly II passed, helped by Foster who advocated it during his
weekly radio program and helped State Representative Vic Stelly
raise money for statewide advertising. Governor Foster has called
State Representatives who have voted against his tax increase
proposals, like Republican Senate candidate Tony Perkins,
"tooth fairies."
Foster has also been a friend of gambling during his tenure,
working to help Harrah's Casino in New Orleans and the riverboat
casinos expand during his tenure. Several months ago, he supported
the expansion of gambling into an Indian reservation in Vinton,
Louisiana, and became enraged that Congressman David Vitter
successfully opposed that development.
Politically, the Governor has acted like a strange Republican.
He has hosted Democratic legislators at the Governor’s mansion
for a fundraiser. In 1996, he only supported Republican U.S.
Senate candidate Woody Jenkins half-heartedly. After Democrat Mary
Landrieu beat Jenkins, Foster helped the new Senator raise money
early in her term. In 1998, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jim
Donelon did not receive the support of Foster in his race against
incumbent Democrat John Breaux.
During his first term, Foster started feuding with then
Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Mike Francis. Quite often,
Francis would criticize Foster for his big government philosophy
or his lack of support for Republican candidates. The Governor
tired of fighting with Francis and in 2000 launched a campaign to
take control of the Louisiana Republican Party. This
"Republican Renewal" campaign involved placing Foster
candidates in most of the 213 State Central Committee districts in
Louisiana. Foster gave money, time and his endorsement to this
takeover effort and won overwhelmingly across Louisiana. Yet,
after he took control of the Louisiana Republican Party, he did
almost nothing to expand the party. The Governor did not work to
switch the registration of Democrats to Republicans statewide. He
did not try to convince Democratic state legislators to change
their registration to the Republican Party. He did not recruit
Republican candidates to run for Congress and other high profile
offices. On the contrary, Foster has spoken highly of Democrats in
office such as U.S. Senator John Breaux and Lieutenant Governor
Kathleen Blanco.
This year, Foster even tried to jump into the U.S. Senate race
and thereby undercut the campaigns of the three existing
Republican candidates. When he opted out of the race, Foster
endorsed Republican Congressman John Cooksey, but did almost
nothing to help Cooksey get elected. After Terrell made the
run-off against Landrieu, Foster encouraged Cooksey not to endorse
or campaign for Terrell. Foster continues to be angry that the
National Republican Senatorial Committee endorsed and funded
Terrell without his knowledge and blessing.
Next year, some observers believe that Foster will support
Republican State Representative Hunt Downer for the Governor's
job. Others believe that Foster really wants to stay in the
position for another term, which is why he talked about
overturning term limits and recently his wife Alice Foster spoke
of running for Governor on a ticket with her husband running for
Lieutenant Governor.
In every other state in the country, a Governor is expected to
support the U.S. Senate candidate of his or her own political
party, but, of course, this is Louisiana. Due to demographics and
history, it is very tough for a Republican to win statewide. No
Republican has been elected to the United States Senate since
Reconstruction. Unfortunately for Republicans in Louisiana without
the strong support of their Republican Governor, their Republican
U.S. Senate candidate may very well lose her bid to make history
and defeat an incumbent Democrat. History is on the side of the
Democrats in Louisiana, and, in reality, by not endorsing Suzie
Terrell in the Senate race, so is Governor Mike Foster.
Jeff Crouere is the host of Ringside
Politics on WTIX in Louisiana. Listen live here.
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