March 8, 2007
Reported by Associated Press
A state elections law expert says there's nothing in the state Constitution to prevent former U.S. Senator John Breaux from entering the Louisiana governor's race, despite Republican claims that Breaux doesn't appear to meet legal requirements.
Breaux, a Democrat who remained popular throughout his congressional career, hasn't said whether he will enter the race, but he's seen as a serious contender -- and possibly a replacement for Democratic Governor Kathleen Blanco -- if he chooses to run in the October 20th primary.
To be eligible to run for a statewide elected office, the Louisiana Constitution requires that a person be a "citizen" of the state for "at least the preceding five years."
Breaux is registered to vote and lists his primary address in Maryland, about 70 miles from Washington, where he works for the lobbying firm of Patton Boggs. Republicans say that would disqualify him from running for Louisiana governor.
But Bill Bryan, an assistant attorney general who deals with elections law, said any challenge to the candidacy of Breaux or anyone else in his situation would "come down to a definition of citizen."
In challenging the qualifications of a candidate, Bryan says the burden of proof is on the person trying to prove the candidate is not qualified.
Bryan says the issue has arisen in several other candidacies, and Louisiana judges have consistently ruled that they would rather let voters decide if a candidate could win.
Lake Charles will host a series of "Stop the Bleed" training according to Matt Young, city spokesman. The first training will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20 at the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness located at 901 Lakeshore Drive. The free program is to encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Young says approximately 75 tr...
More >>Lake Charles will host a series of "Stop the Bleed" training according to Matt Young, city spokesman. The first training will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20 at the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness located at 901 Lakeshore Drive. The free program is to encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Young says approximately 75 tr...
More >>Tonight, it will be very pleasant outside. There will be no chance for rain, and the clouds will continue to clear. With the clouds going away, that will allow temperatures to cool down overnight. Lows will be in the mid 50s. You may need a jacket as you head out the door Monday morning. Monday and Tuesday next week will be very nice to get outside. After the cold front pushes past us over the weekend, there should be plenty of sunshine. Although a few clouds are possible.
More >>Tonight, it will be very pleasant outside. There will be no chance for rain, and the clouds will continue to clear. With the clouds going away, that will allow temperatures to cool down overnight. Lows will be in the mid 50s. You may need a jacket as you head out the door Monday morning. Monday and Tuesday next week will be very nice to get outside. After the cold front pushes past us over the weekend, there should be plenty of sunshine. Although a few clouds are possible.
More >>The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation will host their sixth annual Dragon Boat Races at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 28 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall. The event benefits Children's Miracle Network. In this year’s race, up to 30 teams will race across the lake, competing to be the 2018 Dragon Boat Race winning team. Each team consists of 20 members who paddle a 41-foot vessel to the beat of their team drummer. In our 30-minute special report Race Across...
More >>The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation will host their sixth annual Dragon Boat Races at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 28 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall. The event benefits Children's Miracle Network. In this year’s race, up to 30 teams will race across the lake, competing to be the 2018 Dragon Boat Race winning team. Each team consists of 20 members who paddle a 41-foot vessel to the beat of their team drummer. In our 30-minute special report Race Across...
More >>The funeral service of former first lady Barbara Bush is being held at 11 a.m. today in Houston, Texas. Expected guests include former president Bill and Mrs. Bill Clinton, former president Barack and Mrs. Barack Obama and First Lady Melania Trump. Around 1,500 are expected to attend.
More >>The funeral service of former first lady Barbara Bush is being held at 11 a.m. today in Houston, Texas. Expected guests include former president Bill and Mrs. Bill Clinton, former president Barack and Mrs. Barack Obama and First Lady Melania Trump. Around 1,500 are expected to attend.
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