The LAGOP sent out a press release yesterday announcing the filing of a public information request to determine the ethics of Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’ “Statewide Business Summit”.

Included in the request are copies of “any and all documents” and communication about the event or those scheduled to be in attendance.

The request poses the question, “..is the Governor using state funds and resources to host a campaign event?”

The letter was signed by LAGOP Executive Director Andrew Bautsch.

UPDATE:

This morning, the LAGOP sent out another press release providing more specific information about the event:

“Over half of the speakers slated to address the event have either donated to Edwards’ campaign or currently work for him as administration officials,” reads the press release.

The LAGOP claims that while the event appears to be hosted by the Governor’s Office, only five of the scheduled speakers are state employees and eight of the 19 speakers have donated to Edwards’ campaign either personally or through their businesses.

State Employees:

• Don Pierson, Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development
• Ava Dejoie, Secretary, Louisiana Workforce Commission (Department of Labor)
• Jay Dardenne, Commissioner, Louisiana Division of Administration
• Kimberly Robinson, Secretary, Department of Revenue
• Shawn Wilson, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

Campaign Donors:

• Mike Olivier gave Edwards’ campaign $1,250 on 10/31/16.
• CSRS Inc. gave Edwards’ campaign $5,000 on 10/31/16.
• Eduardo Jimenez gave Edwards’ campaign $500 on 2/4/16.
• Jay Dardenne’s Campaign LLC gave Edwards’ campaign $2,500 on 9/6/17.
• Stream Family Limited Partnership gave Edwards’ campaign $5,000 on 1/23/17.
• Waitr gave Edwards’ campaign $5,000 on 10/27/17.
• Trey Burvant gave Edwards’ campaign $250 on 11/17/15.
• Craig Spohn gave Edwards’ campaign $5,000 on 10/13/16.

LAGOP Chairman Louis Gurvich slammed John Bel for the inappropriate use of taxpayer funds:

“Our elected leaders should not be using taxpayer funds to further their personal political objectives. The timing and choice of speakers at this summit raises serious questions for Governor Edwards, and the people of Louisiana deserve answers.”