“The top givers to Louisiana’s congressional delegation come in the forms of groups and companies. These organizations, however, did not donate the money directly to lawmakers. Rather, the contributions were handed over through the organizations’ political action committees, members employees and owners. Subsidiaries and affiliates are a part of this as well.” – LAPolitics.com

“Tuesday’s sudden and unexpected announcement that Paul Rainwater is stepping down as Gov. Bobby Jindal’s chief of staff—after serving more than six years in the administration—was the second such announcement in as many weeks. On Feb. 4, coastal czar Garret Graves announced his resignation as chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.” – Baton Rouge Business Report

“Most Louisiana elected officials would feel fortunate to have enough money in their campaign accounts to cover $100,000 in annual expenses. But for Senate President John Alario, that wouldn’t be nearly enough.” – NOLA.com

“James Woodside is a skilled construction worker working to raise his three kids after a messy divorce. Three years ago, he ended up serving time in a privately-owned St. Tammany Parish work release program called North Shore Workforce. While he was supposed to be living at the facility in Covington, Woodside says he spent most of his time living unsupervised in other parts of the state.” – WWL-TV

“In the race for who will become Louisiana’s next lieutenant governor, Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser is taking no chances his second time at bat — nearly two years out, he’s halfway to what he calls the “magic” $3 million victory threshold.” – NOLA.com

“Louisiana’s most powerful business advocacy group and the Council for a Better Louisiana said they will work to beat back any efforts to remove, dilute or delay the new Common Core public education standards for the state.” – Monroe News-Star

“U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, will support legislation that exempts Olympic athletes from having to pay taxes on medals and cash prizes won at the games.” – NOLA.com

“Metro Councilwoman Tara Wicker received $2,500 — her largest contribution for 2013 — from Landmark Properties two days after the City-Parish Planning Commission that she chairs approved the company’s plans for a luxury apartment complex targeted for LSU students.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“State Representative and Chair of the House Democratic Caucus John Bel Edwards (D-Amite) recently sat down with KPEL’s Brandon Comeaux to discuss his run for governor in 2015, his strengths as a legislator and what he looks forward to tackling in the upcoming 2014 legislative session, which begins March 10.” – KPEL

“Reached Wednesday afternoon, a slightly irritated-sounding Edwards said he would not launch a congressional campaign by calling up a wire service reporter. The 86-year-old lives large. His life is filled with splashy moments. Edwards said any announcement will come before a media-packed audience.” – Baton Rouge Advocate