Candidates Seek Republican Endorsement

With an increasing number of candidates for public office running as Republicans in a state without party primaries, the Republican Party’s endorsement has growing influence.

Candidates in the Oct. 24 open primary have been busy campaigning, and most of the Republican candidates have also made presentations to the East Baton Rouge Republican Parish Executive Committee, which by state law speaks for the party in the parish.

On Saturday, Aug. 8, four candidates were interviewed by the committee — Sen. David Vitter, who is running for governor; Assessor Brian Wilson, who is running for reelection, and state House of Representative District 69 candidates Paula Davis and Ryan Heck.  Prior to the meeting, the candidates completed an extensive questionnaire, explaining their views on many of the issues facing their particular office as well as important issues facing the state and nation.

The candidates’ answers to the questionnaires will be released to the public later this month.

At the Aug. 8 meeting, the committee voted to endorse Brian Wilson for reelection as Assessor.  It also voted on the endorsement in the House District 69 race and will announce that endorsement soon.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, the parish executive committee heard from candidates running in House District 66 — Rick Bond, Rick Edmonds, Darrell Ourso, and Ryan Secrist.  At that meeting, the committee voted on its endorsements for Governor and House District 66.  The following week, it announced the endorsement of Sen. Vitter and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle for Governor.  It is expected to announce its endorsement in House District 66 soon.

On Friday, Aug. 21, the GOP committee heard from two candidates for Attorney General — incumbent Buddy Caldwell and challenger Jeff Landry.  The following week, the committee announced its endorsement of Buddy Caldwell.

In the coming weeks, the committee is expected to meet and consider endorsements for Lt. Governor, where Republicans Sen. Elbert Guillory, Billy Nungesser, and John Young are competing; Senate District 6, where the incumbent is Sen. Bodi White; Senate District 16, where Sen. Dan Claitor is opposed by Scott McKnight, and House District 68, where Rep. Steve Carter is opposed by Robert Cipriano.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the parish executive committee is Thursday, Sept. 10.

For further information, contact parish Republican chairman Woody Jenkins at woodyjenkins@hotmail.com or go to www.CapitalRepublican.com.