NATIONAL

“Rand Paul is under increasing pressure from Republicans here and in Washington to pull the plug on his stagnant presidential campaign and instead recommit his resources to keeping his Senate seat in GOP hands.” – Politico

“Several Republicans floated their names Friday as potential replacements for House Speaker John A. Boehner, a day after Republicans were thrown into chaos when heir-apparent Rep. Kevin McCarthy withdrew from consideration — but all eyes remained on Rep. Paul Ryan.” – Washington Times

“Some senior U.S. officials involved in the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal have privately concluded that a key sanctions relief provision – a concession to Iran that will open the doors to tens of billions of dollars in U.S.-backed commerce with the Islamic regime – conflicts with existing federal statutes and cannot be implemented without violating those laws, Fox News has learned.” – Fox News

“But for those in the media claiming this lack of leadership clarity and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) 61%’s failure to launch is some terrible thing for the Republican Party in the 2016 presidential stakes – I’m sorry, it is to LOL. This Congress is incredibly unpopular, and disrupting its leadership is a good thing for a party whose base is incredibly frustrated with those they see as ignoring their frustrations. This is also the way the House was originally envisioned to work – with a lot more upheaval and changes in leadership in response to public will. 43 of the 53 Americans who have been Speaker held the job for less than 5 years, and that’s a good thing.” –Erick Erickson/Red State

“In an effort to use the recent tragedy at Umpqua Community College to boost her political campaign, Hillary Clinton has been attacking the National Rifle Association for days. Earlier this week, the Democratic presidential candidate went so far as comparing the NRA to Iranian terrorists and communists during a town hall style campaign stop. From The Hill:” – Town Hall

“Via Politico, skip to 12:00 of the clip below for the key bit. Oh, it’s on. Or is it? Normally, a candidate for president claiming that he’s going to peel away his opponents’ supporters and win the nomination would be so banal that it wouldn’t qualify as news. It’s the ultimate “dog bites man” story. Of course Cruz believes this. If he didn’t, why would he be running? But these aren’t normal circumstances. Cruz is the only Republican in the field who has yet to utter a critical or discouraging syllable about Trump, part of his talk-radio-ish strategy not to say or do anything that might annoy the many newly minted Trump fans in the GOP base. But now he has, and Trump being as thin-skinned as he is, there’s no telling whether he’ll shrug this off as a routine expression of confidence by an opponent or some sort of attack that warrants dismissing Cruz as an ineffectual loser who’s probably not eligible to be president in the first place.” – Hot Air

“Officials in Irving, Texas, released about 14 pages of threatening, vulgar emails from people fuming over the incident involving local teen Ahmed Mohamed, who was put in handcuffs last month when his homemade clock was treated as a possible hoax bomb.” – The Blaze

“One of the most vocal advocates for amnesty has given his stamp of approval to Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) 58% for House Speaker, according to Huffington Post reporter Sam Stein.” – Breitbart

“What are safe and sane gun laws?” – Conservative Daily News

“Part of President Obama’s plan to ‘degrade and ultimately destroy’ ISIS was to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to train and equip rebels in Syria to fight terrorist in that country. That initiative ended up being an admitted failure and was previously put on ‘pause’ by the Obama administration.” – Twitchy 

LOUISIANA

“Early voting begins Saturday for Louisiana’s Oct. 24 election and The Associated Press reports candidates are urging supporters to cast their ballots in advance since the statewide and local races are expected to compete for attention on Election Day with college football games and hunting plans.” – Business Report

“House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, is joining other top Republicans in urging a reluctant Paul Ryan to run for speaker, a source said Friday (Oct. 9).” – NOLA.com

“Paul Prudhomme, the Cajun who popularized spicy Louisiana cuisine and became one of the first American restaurant chefs to achieve worldwide fame, died Thursday. He was 75.” – Star Tribune

“Does David Vitter have a new issue to use in his attack against Jay Dardenne, or is he lying about Dardenne’s record?” – Bayou Buzz

“Abortion rights supporters seeking changes to Louisiana law that would make it easier to access the procedure won’t find support from the state’s next governor.” – KATC.com

“The weekend’s abbreviated cool snap was a tease for gumbo weather that is coming. So attuned to this fall phenomenon are the people of South Louisiana, when a new generation awakens to its pull, one’s heart is warmed before the first spoonful is consumed.” – The Daily Iberian

“A woman could face charges after using her concealed weapon and shooting at suspected shoplifters outside of a Michigan Home Depot. The action has sparked debate over concealed carry laws.” – KPLCTV.com

“Eight digital Lamar Advertising billboards in Baton Rouge will have special messages for visiting South Carolina fans this weekend.” – The Baton Rouge Advocate

“Gov. Bobby Jindal’s veterans affairs secretary abruptly resigned according to a statement released by the Office of the Governor Thursday evening.” – WWLTV.com

“Lance Dupre and his bride-to-be, Kylie, planned their wedding day around the LSU football season.” – The Baton Rouge Advocate