Gulf Coast Politicos Give Middle-Finger Salute To Melancon

It’s not just Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser calling out Rep. Charlie Melancon these days.

Nungesser’s endorsement of Sen. David Vitter in his re-election campaign against Melancon yesterday included the opinion that Charlie-Boy was dropping “a load of ‘you know what’” on the voters. But that colorful message presaged another announcement today, in which several other officials from Gulf parishes in Melancon’s district gave him the business while backing Vitter.

“As leaders in coastal parishes all along the Gulf – Democrats and Republicans – we write to express our strong support and endorsement of David Vitter for U.S. Senate in this fall’s election.

“As soon as the oil disaster hit the Gulf, Senator Vitter was on the ground in our communities, personally involved. He also acted swiftly and provided important support and leadership in Washington, D.C.

“Senator Vitter promptly introduced emergency legislation to completely remove the existing cap in federal law for economic damages as it pertains to BP and our disaster. His bill also included an expedited claims process so that affected Louisianians aren’t just made whole, but are paid something immediately and on an ongoing basis.

“We may be of different political parties, but we are all united in working to restore our coast in the wake of the BP oil disaster. Senator David Vitter’s quick, effective action during the height of the disaster was extremely helpful and decisive. For that, we enthusiastically endorse him for reelection.”

So said the statement of eight public officials from five southeastern Louisiana parishes (Jefferson, St. Bernard, Lafourche, Terrebonne and Plaquemines) in Melancon’s district. The roster peculiarly includes some members of Melancon’s political party:

Jefferson Parish
Parish Councilmen Chris Roberts (Democrat)
Mayor of Lafitte Tim Kerner (Democrat)
Mayor of Grand Isle David Carmadelle (Democrat)

Lafourche Parish
Parish President Charlotte Randolph (Republican)

Plaquemines Parish
Parish President Billy Nungesser (Republican)

St. Bernard Parish
Parish President Craig Taffaro (Republican)
Councilman-at-Large Wayne Landry (Democrat)

Terrebonne Parish
Parish President Michel Claudet (Republican)