Answer: he at least drives a decent bargain for turning his coat.

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne will double his state paycheck when he takes over as Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards’ chief budget adviser.

Dardenne will become Edwards’ commissioner of administration on January 11th, when the new governor is sworn in. With Dardenne’s new role comes a salary of $237,500.

That’s a sizable pay boost from his current $115,000 salary as a statewide elected official, established in state law.

Dardenne’s salary also will be higher than what term-limited Gov. Bobby Jindal pays his commissioner of administration: $204,400, according to civil service data.

Edwards spokesman Richard Carbo says the governor-elect is evaluating cabinet secretary salaries on “a case-by-case basis and making adjustments, in either direction, where he sees fit.”

Edwards’ revenue secretary pick, Kimberly Robinson, will make $250,000, the same salary her predecessor receives.

No, this is not footage of the negotiation between Edwards and Dardenne. Trust us, the transition team’s office is not that interesting (though the freakish quality of the crowd is similar)…