Charlie Boy’s K-Street Career Didn’t Last Long
POLITICO reports that former U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-Napoleonville), who took a job as a lobbyist for the International Franchise Association in February after getting hammered in last November’s Senate election by incumbent Republican David Vitter, is coming home from Washington…
BREAKING – MELANCON OUT AT IFA: Well that was fast. Former Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) is leaving his spot as the International Franchise Association’s top lobbyist, a position he took in February, “to pursue business opportunities related to his broad experience in Washington and Louisiana,” IFA spokeswoman Alisa Harrison told PI in an email. Judith Thorman of the American Beverage Association replaces Melancon as senior vice president, government relations and public policy.
Melancon joined IFA after an unsuccessful run for Senate and oversaw the trade association’s political, lobbying, grassroots and PAC strategy. “This is something that was his choice, a mutual decision, and something he wanted to do,” Harrison told PI in an interview. “He had a desire to get back (to Louisiana) and try to pursue some business opportunities that he has there.”
Harrison said Melancon is a “terrific person,” who “helped out a lot” working the association’s issues. Melancon was unavailable for comment. Thorman will assume Melancon’s portfolio starting June 20. Thorman previously served as senior vice president of government affairs for the American Beverage Association and ran state programs. She has also worked in the Washington offices of New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean and Illinois Gov. James Thompson.
Well, OK then.
What those business opportunities might be is anybody’s guess. But it’s worth noting that Melancon sure didn’t last as a lobbyist.
Ha ha ha, the good ol boy network didn’t take care of one their own. He might have to actually work for a living…nah.
He lost election based on a lack of ability and a certain dullness of campaign character. Evidently he used his specious oratorical ability to propel him toward the unemployment he so richly deserves
Back to Baskin Robbins? As EWE is out of jail, maybe Melancon can go back to being his driver when EWE is permitted to move freely about the state.
Back to Baskin Robbins? As EWE is out of jail, maybe Melancon can go back to being his driver when EWE is permitted to move freely about the state.
I presume that he may be representing the sugar industry locally again, or just simply fading away.
Melancon may be coming back to run for office this year. He faced an impossible task in 2010 with his congressional district on the chopping block but may be just what the Democrats need for a state-wide office candidate and there are several he could run for.
Your lips, God’s ears.