Candidates Lining Up to Seek Richardson Seat in La. House

Several Well-Known Officials Eye Race

CENTRAL — The expected resignation of State Rep. Clif Richardson has some elected officials considering whether to throw their hats into the ring.

Metro Councilman Scott Wilson, who was just reelected to a four-year term on the Council, said Wednesday, “I haven’t spoken to Clif in the past few days and am unaware of his plans.  Our main concern is for his health right now.  But if he did decide to resign, I would strongly consider the race.”

Central City Councilman Wayne Messina said, “Our No. 1 concern is for Mr. Clif and his family.  So it’s a little premature to speculate, but it is something I will strongly consider if this happens.”

Messina, a long-time Central resident, is former principal of Baker High School, coach, and teacher.  He is an administrator with the East Baton Rouge Parish school system

Another possible candidate is Central school board member Dr. David Walker.  Dr. Walker, a lifelong Central resident, is particularly well known in the Central school system and at Zoar Baptist, where his father Graydon Walker is administrator.

Former Rep. John Labruzzo, who recently moved to Central, is reportedly considering the race.  He formerly represented Jefferson Parish in the Louisiana House.

Businessman Barry Ivey is a likely candidate.  Ivey is president of Pinnacle Precision Services, LLC, which builds piping for the nuclear power industry.  In March, he was elected to represent House District 65 as a member of the Republican State Central Committee.

Wilson, who is president of a trucking company, is the brother of parish assessor Brian Wilson.

Central Republican chairman Jr. Shelton, who said he will not be a candidate, said, “This could be a very important race for Central.  We would need someone to get involved and be very aggressive for our district.”  Shelton serves as chairman of the Central Republican Municipal Executive Committee, which is authorized to represent the GOP in Central.