Today qualifying began for offices throughout Louisiana. Among the most high profile races will be the contest for the Second Congressional District. This seat has been occupied by U.S. Congressman Bill Jefferson (D-New Orleans) for 18 years. It is time for a change!
A new congressman will improve the image of not only New Orleans, but also the entire State of Louisiana. “Dollar Bill” Jefferson has been an embarrassment for many years. Throughout his checkered career, he has put the interests of his family over the concerns of his constituents. He has worked for business entities in other states and countries, but has not delivered enough for the folks at home. Just look at his congressional district which is one of the poorest areas in the nation. Crime, filth, and blight are common sights in many areas of the district. What has Bill Jefferson done about these problems? Not enough, if anything. While his congressional colleagues hold town hall meetings and promote the interests of their constituents, Jefferson has been too concerned about personal business.
Congressman Jefferson now faces a serious 16-count indictment with a trial scheduled for December 2. If he had any honor, he would resign and save his district more embarrassment. Unfortunately, Jefferson does not have any honor and will likely humiliate his district with another campaign. If he is elected again and then convicted at trial, Jefferson will have to vacate his position. Technically, he will not be forced to leave his post upon conviction, but the reality is that his colleagues will remove him if he does not resign. The long suffering citizens of the Orleans and Jefferson parishes deserve better, much better.
Voters re-elected him in 2006, but what has he accomplished? He has not delivered anything of substance to his district, because he is a pariah on Capitol Hill. He has been stripped of his committee assignments and a recent power ranking by Congress.org listed his as the second most ineffective congressman. The person ranking lower than Jefferson was also indicted.
Electing anyone else other than Jefferson would be an improvement. Several candidates will be qualifying in the next few days. I encourage voters in that district to please vote for anyone other than Bill Jefferson.
It is time to turn a new page in Louisiana politics. Bill Jefferson is a vestige of the failed era of politics as usual and the corrupt Louisiana political system that has harmed our state for decades.
Louisiana desperately needs to move in a new direction. With a new congressman, not only will our image improve, but also the results will improve for the people of this district.
Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. For more information, visit his web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com. >
Let's not forget that it was Jefferson Parish voters, following the lead of the late Sheriff Haarry Lee who attacked Karen Carter, who gave Jefferson 70% of their vote and made his re-election possible. Written by David Quidd
on 7/10/2008
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Jeff, you said that Jefferson is a pariah on Capitol Hill. I beg to differ,if I remember right, he received a standing ovation when he appeared before the black caucus shortly after his reelection in 2006. Written by poboy1
on 7/9/2008
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Well, who can disagree with that? Except the brothers vote for the brothers..no matter what. Written by KjunLady
on 7/9/2008
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Today qualifying began for offices throughout 
