Is there a crack in the fortress of Pay Raise Gate?
At approximately 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Bayoubuzz received this email from House Speaker Jim Tucker:
Statement from House Speaker Jim Tucker
June 25, 2008
It is an honor to serve the people of House District 86 as State Representative and Speaker of the House. Since final passage of Senate Bill 672 on June 16th, the issue of legislative compensation has overshadowed all of the substantial gains and reforms the legislature has accomplished in only six months.
I am grateful for the many calls of support and I will continue to communicate with my constituents on all issues.
I will respect whatever Governor Jindal elects to do with Senate Bill 672 and remain committed to working with him to bring about the positive changes that all citizens of Louisiana deserve.
Tucker has been the front person on the pay raise from the House side.He, obviously, is telling Governor Jindal he will respect whatever the Governor does.This, if true would be a major sea change from Jim Tucker who gave a very visible and vocal argument in favor of the pay raise almost ten days ago.
Tucker could have written that he is stridently in favor of the pay raise.He is now stating something totally different.He is deferring to the Governor.
If the Senate leadership were to do the same, Jindal obviously would be free from his "pledge" to the House and the Senate and could veto the legislation.
Whether the Tucker recall is playing a role is uncertain.According to that organizer, John Roberts, “the disapproval rating of the pay raise in Dist. 86 is in excess of 75%".If Rep. Tucker does have a change of heart, perhaps the recall poll is playing a role.
Bayoubuzz attempted to reach Rep. Tucker when it received the email but was unable to do so.
Meanwhile, the recalls continue throughout the state and a statewide rally set for July 7 from 2 to 4 at the Capitol Steps (which was initiated by this writer) is gaining tremendous momentum.The rally is designed to convince Governor Jindal to veto the pay raise legislation. The drumbeat from the people and the media has not stopped since the session came to a close. The media and the people appear to overwhelmingly want Governor Jindal to veto the legislation. Just maybe the statement from Jim Tucker is the first major sign of fissure in what has been a very fortress-like position by the major participants.
Bayoubuzz note: As I suggested a few days ago in a column, Governor Jindal could veto the legislation, allow the legislators to communicate with their constituencies and request the legislators to take their district temperatures on the payraise issue.Then, the legislators could meet in a special session lasting one or two days to vote on a pay raise that is in line with the will of the voters.It would be a win-win-win for Governor Jindal, the legislators and the voters.The entire pay raise issue was handled very poorly by all parties and made hard working legislators look greedy and the Governor look weak.I predict something is going to give and hope this recommendation should be the basis for a resolution.
I'd love to attend. But gasoline is $4 a gallon and His Majesty, The Wimpenor, has shown NO inclination to heed the will of the people. So, I'll just keep the $30 in my pocket and sign any recall petition for the Wimpenor or Rep Schoder that comes my way. Written by NorthshoreNed
on 6/26/2008
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It would be nice to see Duplicitous recalled, but then you look at her constituency, and they are too busy trying to rebuild out in the east to recall the fat pig. Written by noladude
on 6/26/2008
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I like your suggestion. Perhaps Jindal should consider a veto to save the Legislators from the people. Ha. It is a bit upsetting that I have only read of recall initiatives for Republicans. I would say that a majority of the Dems voted for it. Duplisses would be first on my list. She went from not being able to afford to eat on $50 a day to trippling her pay. Legislative excess doesn't even begin to cover that stretch. I personally believe that the people would be better served by the Legislature going back and undoing what they have done. That would show that the PEOPLE have made their voices heard. And it would be better than a veto because the Legislators would understand that the People will not stand for anything that stands in the way of progress in Louisiana. Whatever it takes. This pay raise should not stand. Written by Sharon
on 6/26/2008
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Of course Mr. Tucker will go along with whatever he ordered Mr. Jindal to do. Kathleen didn't have any either, but that was part of intelligent design. Written by Dennis Whalen
on 6/26/2008
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But then,dear, we agree no special session. Let them face the issues raised by the citizens and necessary for the citizens before they look for a pay raise. Pi can put the spin on the "success" but we look at everything and in our opinion there was little success from the wimp and from the legislature. Written by RhettsWife
on 6/26/2008
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I'm not interested in the convening a 'special - session' in order to draft or vote on a bill for a payraise... That costs money too........ And is a waste of time, one of the things they seem to be complaining about.... All that time they have to spend look out over the affairs of their 'constituents' for so little pay..... What a bunch of hypocrites...... But yes, Pi, veto them, let the subject be brought up at a later date during the normal course of business............. I can think of one or two things that are much more important to discuss during a 'special' legislative session than payraises for the 'house'... Written by .But then again, who am I in the scheme of things?
on 6/26/2008
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Excellent suggestion Steve. As for Tucker; what a spineless sleeze. Selfish to the end, and now, hopefully, quaking in his boots. Written by noladude
on 6/26/2008
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Excellent, Stephen, dear. We wait to hear what may happen. However, citizens are the base of this decision and the heat must continue. WE, THE CITIZENS, HAVE THREATENED A REVOLT AND WE SHALL OVERCOME!!!!!!! Written by RhettsWife
on 6/26/2008
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Is there a crack in the fortress of Pay Raise Gate?
