What Shaped Louisiana Politics in '08

DECEMBER 29, 2008                      POLITICS / JOHN MAGINNIS

  An historic year in national politics did not lack for precedents in Louisiana. A new governor and Legislature, some storm-tossed elections and the long wait for trial for a sitting congressman, now unseated, marked one of the most eventful years in state politics. Here are eight reasons why.

   Bobby Jindal's Rocket Ride. The last American politician before Jindal to attract as much national attention in his first year of statewide office will be sworn in as president in three weeks. Jindal's "new day for Louisiana" quickly turned into a new world for him when conservative commentators began touting him for vice president, which, we learn later, he declined to be considered for. Now he's traveling the country insisting he is not running for president in 2012. Until he does, there is plenty to occupy him in Louisiana, where that new day is not as sunny as it was back in January.

   "Vulnerable" Landrieu Victorious. Despite being targeted by Republicans as the most beatable Senate Democrat, Sen. Mary Landrieu ran strong on her post-storm record and growing seniority. She also waged a tougher campaign than Treasurer John Kennedy. In the words of columnist Clancy DuBos, she defined Kennedy before the former Democrat could redefine himself. She now is not only the state's senior statesman but also its undisputed connection to the Obama administration, in terms of projects and patronage.

   The Pay Raise Fiasco. For a legislative act that never took effect, the bill to raise state lawmakers' pay, like no other issue, ignited a firestorm that burned careers and singed the governor's sky-high popularity. New legislators learned quickly that tighter ethics laws and the biggest-ever personal tax cut counted for squat in face of their self-serving salary over-reach. The controversy also demonstrated how fast and hot a public cause can grow when fanned by the Internet and other forms of new media.

   Jefferson Family Values. Though he lost on nearly every pre-trial motion, indicted Congressman Bill Jefferson managed to keep winning elections, until he lost the one few thought he could. Other members of his once-proud political family were charged in other cases, leaving their reputations and finances in tatters, before their days of reckoning coming soon.

   The Improbable Mr. Cao. The most compelling political human interest story of the year belongs to Anh "Joseph" Cao of New Orleans, the former war refugee who is the first Vietnamese-American elected to Congress, beating Bill Jefferson in a huge upset. Starting with a small band of Republicans who believed in him and aided by the hurricane-delayed election schedule, the Cao campaign crossed party lines to become a civic movement. In a majority black district, his electoral future is uncertain but not untenable. He already has made history.

    GOP Sweeps the House. The rising Obama tide and financial meltdown doomed Republican congressional candidates nationwide, except here. After Democrats won the special election in the 6th Congressional District in May, they did not win another contested House race in 2008, their only winner being unopposed Congressman Charlie Melancon. Though Jefferson's defeat played big nationally, the more stinging Democratic losses were in the 4th and 6th districts, where white candidates’ problems with black politicians proved crippling. Landrieu's victory aside, this election year for Democrats ended with blown opportunities that might not come again for years.

   Vitter's Back. After a year of lying low following his escort-service scandal, Sen. David Vitter re-emerged to take a lead role in defeating the auto industry bailout bail, which won him political points in most of Louisiana. He also started his re-election drive by raising $200,000 at a D.C. fundraiser co-hosted by Gov. Jindal.  National Democrats have eagerly targeted Vitter, but it may take more than a sex scandal to bring down this tough Louisiana politician, who is in for but also up for the fight of his life.

   Boom Times to Bust. In a year when the price of oil topped $144 per barrel before dropping by over $100, Louisiana's mineral-based budget went from an $865 million surplus to a projected $2 billion deficit in the year ahead. The fiscal whiplash at the State Capitol, coupled with the national recession, has sobered up a spending party that was going full tilt. What that means next for state government and those touched by it is the lead story to greet 2009.