After electing Bill Jefferson to Congress for nine terms, it is time for the voters of the Second District to make another choice on Saturday.
Among his three opponents is Joseph Cao, a former Jesuit seminarian who traveled the world as a missionary. He eventually settled in New Orleans East and became active in the local Vietnamese community. His personal story is compelling, as he escaped the Communist takeover of South Vietnam, eventually settling in New Orleans.
He is a former Ethics professor who is busy raising his family and giving back to New Orleans. This is just the type of candidate we need in Congress. Cao is the antithesis of Bill Jefferson. He is selfless, hard working and of the highest ethical standards. Cao knows how wonderful this country is and what it means to the world, which continues to look at the United States as a beacon of hope.
In contrast, Bill Jefferson has disgraced the district with his corrupt activities in office. He faces a 16-count indictment that will eventually lead to a trial sometime in 2009. Although Jefferson's attorneys have skillfully delayed the case, tying it up in lengthy legal maneuvers, it cannot remove the stench of his activities.
Jefferson has never adequately explained why he was "storing" $90,000 cash in his freezer. His web of corruption has also infected his other family members, many of them who are also facing indictment.
Cao gives the voters in the 2nd Congressional District a chance for redemption. It is their opportunity to redress their previous mistakes in electing Jefferson.
In fact, the voters of the district have only hurt themselves by electing a man who has been indicted, kicked off congressional committees and proven to be largely ineffective.
Cao is an honest alternative, a candidate who will be welcomed to Congress by Republicans and Democrats alike, if only he can surmount the challenge of Election Day on December 6.
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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.
Bayoubuzz Note: The above column is the opinion of Jeff Crouere. Bayoubuzz has never endorsed any candidate for office. The opinion is not necessarily that of Bayoubuzz.com, its publisher, or any of its other writers.
Anyone who actually believes that Jefferson will not be re-elected on Saturday is fooling themselves. The election will be based solely on race and everyone knows it. I know it is not PC to say that but the statistics do not lie - like the congressman. I guess "getting over on the man" is his real platform and whatever it takes to do that is just part of the game. How can we ever expect to become a viable city that can attract business and jobs when so many still think that way? Written by BigD
on 12/3/2008
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Orleans Parish has changed (for the better) since Katrina. Jefferson will lose on Saturday even though none of Lakeview can vote in this election. Written by Nolaboy
on 12/2/2008
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Well, Jeff, dear you have said it all. We can only hope and pray that the people of the district will vote for the best and that is Mr. Cao. Once the vote is over, your analysis might be an interesting article - an analysis from the initial campaign to the run off Moreno and now the election itself. HMMMM - wonder what that will show. Written by RhettsWife
on 12/2/2008
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After electing Bill Jefferson to Congress for nine terms, it is time for the voters of the Second District to make another choice on Saturday. 
