With only one month before Louisiana’s October primary, there are some important election battles for Louisiana legislative seats. A few specific elections will determine the tone of the next term in both the House and Senate. Will we continue to see Legislative Leadership promoting a socially moderate, tax-and-spend attitude or will we see a staunchly conservative legislature–both socially and fiscally?

One of those crucial races to be decided next month will take place in North Louisiana’s Senate District 31. This election is an open race since incumbent Louie Bernard decided to not seek re-election.

With no Democrats on the ballot, two Republican candidates are in the running for Senate District 31: current Louisiana House Republican Alan Seabaugh (who currently represents House District 5) and former Northwestern State Basketball coach Mike McConathy.

If you’re a long-time reader of The Hayride, then you should know that Rep. Seabaugh is one of the most consistently conservative members of the legislature. Seabaugh’s record as a social and fiscal conservative is quite strong. From fighting Governor Edwards’ unnecessary lockdowns in 2020 to saving Louisiana taxpayers from a sales tax increase in 2018, Seabaugh has served as an outspoken, reliable fighter for conservative values.

Earlier this year, Seabaugh was also one of the 19 House Republicans who didn’t vote to “bust the spending caps” in this year’s legislative session. He also serves as the chair of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus–the state’s premier conservative legislative group.

His rock-solid record has also earned him the endorsements of Louisiana Attorney General (and hopefully future Governor) Jeff Landry, US Congressman Mike Johnson, and the Louisiana Republican Party. Considering District 31 covers a solidly conservative area in Northwest Louisiana, Seabaugh’s candidacy seems to be a slam-dunk fit for the seat.

However, Seabaugh faces one opponent in his election: former Northwestern State basketball coach Mike McConathy. When you look at McConathy’s background, you may wonder why he is even running as a so-called “Strong Conservative” on his campaign website.

For starters, McConathy supported Governor John Bel Edwards in 2015 and says he dislikes President Trump. In fact, McConathy voted for Governor John Bel Edwards in 2015 because Edwards “seemed very genuine.”

There are many ways to describe Governor Edwards, but “genuine” is likely not one of them. Can Louisiana conservatives really trust someone who is easily fooled by Edwards’ supposed “genuineness?” What else is McConathy clueless about?

According to the Times-Picayune, McConathy had the following words to say about President Trump: “the divisiveness that was created is a concern to me.” While McConathy talks extensively in interviews and on his website about “not being a politician,” his response represents the “go-along-to-get along” attitude that has characterized the RINOs in Louisiana legislature for years.

Don’t forget that Senate District 31 is a heavily pro-Trump district–which includes the parishes of Natchitoches, Bienville, Sabine, Caddo, Bossier, and De Soto. So, his comments won’t likely sit well with the conservative, Trump supporters of this district.

Besides McConathy’s questionable conservative credentials, McConathy originally promised to run as an independent in this election. Yet, he ended up deciding to run as Republican. Can voters trust someone who breaks his promises so flagrantly?

 

Additionally, McConathy has some concerning supporters for his campaign. His campaign has received donations from former Democrat lawmaker Don Kelly and current wishy-washy, Democrat-turned-Republican Senator Louie Bernard:

An authentically conservative candidate would not have the support of elected officials who are either Democrats or Democrats-turned-Republicans. That fact is indefensible from the standpoint of a Conservative voter. McConathy’s supporters speak volumes as the type of candidate McConathy represents–anything but a True Conservative.

It isn’t that Mike McConathy is necessarily a bad guy. He seems nice enough. However, in its current condition Louisiana does not need “nice guys.” It needs strong, knowledgeable, principled leaders who will not cave to the political establishment of both parties.

Our state cannot afford any more airballs, and choosing a flip-flopping ex-basketball coach is not a safe bet.

The voters of Senate District 31 deserve a conservative fighter, and Alan Seabaugh fits the bill. Let’s hope that District 31 voters make the right decision on October 14th. Why? The future of Louisiana politics may hang in the balance.