Post by pelicanguy on Nov 18, 2006 16:12:18 GMT -5
Shepherd backs Jefferson in 2nd District runoff
He downplays corruption probe of congressman
Saturday, November 18, 2006
By Rob Nelson
The Times-Picayune, New Orleans
Taking dead aim Friday at state Rep. Karen Carter's positions on social issues and her voting record on insurance policy, state Sen. Derrick Shepherd, who finished third in the 2nd Congressional District primary, endorsed U.S. Rep. William Jefferson in the Dec. 9 runoff, touting the incumbent's experience and downplaying the ongoing federal investigation into his business dealings.
Although Shepherd made much during the primary of the federal bribery investigation swirling around Jefferson, he downplayed his earlier remarks Friday, saying they were made while he was in "campaign mode."
Shepherd, a Marrero Democrat, said he and Jefferson are politically aligned, and he chastised Carter for supporting abortion rights and gay marriage.
Flanked by several ministers and local elected officials during a news conference at the Jefferson Parish government complex in Gretna, Shepherd said Carter does not share his "family values."
But for Shepherd, who finished first in Jefferson Parish in the primary, endorsing the eight-term congressman could have another value: In the event the incumbent is re-elected and then indicted and forced to resign, Shepherd could take another shot at the seat.
Endorsements for Carter
Two of Shepherd's closest political allies -- Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron Lee and state Rep. Terrell Harris, D-Marrero -- broke ranks with him this week, announcing Thursday that they are backing Carter. Other Jefferson Parish officials endorsing her include Councilmen Tom Capella and Elton Lagasse and School Board member-elect Alvin Boudreaux.
Jefferson is hoping that Shepherd's support will help him win the precincts that Shepherd carried across Jefferson Parish.
Shepherd said Friday that he decided to back the incumbent after talking with his constituents.
"They don't like Karen Carter, and I have to listen to my district," said Shepherd, adding that he talked with Carter recently but that the meeting was "short and arrogant."
Carter's campaign spokeswoman, Cheron Brylski, said that since the primary, Carter has met with the major also-rans in the primary, as well as elected leaders from across Jefferson Parish, and has drawn considerable support.
"The coalition that Karen is building is one of credible leadership," Brylski said. "We feel like we've had a great week doing that."
As for the "family values" attacks, Carter has made no secret that she is "100 percent pro-choice." About her vote against a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union of "one man and one woman," she said, "I believe in treating people as I would like to be treated."
Flinging barbs
Asked Friday about the federal investigation targeting Jefferson, Shepherd said the congressman has not been charged with a crime and that the matter is "between him and the Justice Department." He said his backing of Jefferson comes without strings.
"There are no deals I cut with Congressman Jefferson," he said.
Brylski dismissed Shepherd's explanation.
"When he announced his candidacy," she said, "he said he had a duty to remove the shadow of scandal from this office. And today, he admitted he's completely ignoring his duty."
Shepherd also criticized Carter, who is chairwoman of the House Insurance Committee, as beholden to the insurance industry, and accused her of protecting companies' right to increase rates without public hearings.
"As one who has spent his political career battling for average folks, her alliance with the insurance companies is unacceptable to me," Shepherd said, calling Carter an "elitist."
Responding on Carter's behalf, Brylski said Shepherd is "lying and distorting her record," and that Jefferson is hurting average citizens by failing to deliver on his pledge of an "honorable explanation" for the allegations of bribery.
Others who joined Shepherd on Friday included New Orleans City Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis, Kenner Councilman Marc Johnson and Gretna Councilman Jonathan Bolar.
At her own news conference Thursday, Carter pledged to fight crime and back flood-protection efforts along the Harvey Canal. She also took a dig at Jefferson's legal predicament, promising to bring "character, ethics and integrity" to the seat.
"You know I'm going to make you proud," she said.
. . . . . . .
Rob Nelson can be reached at rnelson@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3796.
He downplays corruption probe of congressman
Saturday, November 18, 2006
By Rob Nelson
The Times-Picayune, New Orleans
Taking dead aim Friday at state Rep. Karen Carter's positions on social issues and her voting record on insurance policy, state Sen. Derrick Shepherd, who finished third in the 2nd Congressional District primary, endorsed U.S. Rep. William Jefferson in the Dec. 9 runoff, touting the incumbent's experience and downplaying the ongoing federal investigation into his business dealings.
Although Shepherd made much during the primary of the federal bribery investigation swirling around Jefferson, he downplayed his earlier remarks Friday, saying they were made while he was in "campaign mode."
Shepherd, a Marrero Democrat, said he and Jefferson are politically aligned, and he chastised Carter for supporting abortion rights and gay marriage.
Flanked by several ministers and local elected officials during a news conference at the Jefferson Parish government complex in Gretna, Shepherd said Carter does not share his "family values."
But for Shepherd, who finished first in Jefferson Parish in the primary, endorsing the eight-term congressman could have another value: In the event the incumbent is re-elected and then indicted and forced to resign, Shepherd could take another shot at the seat.
Endorsements for Carter
Two of Shepherd's closest political allies -- Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron Lee and state Rep. Terrell Harris, D-Marrero -- broke ranks with him this week, announcing Thursday that they are backing Carter. Other Jefferson Parish officials endorsing her include Councilmen Tom Capella and Elton Lagasse and School Board member-elect Alvin Boudreaux.
Jefferson is hoping that Shepherd's support will help him win the precincts that Shepherd carried across Jefferson Parish.
Shepherd said Friday that he decided to back the incumbent after talking with his constituents.
"They don't like Karen Carter, and I have to listen to my district," said Shepherd, adding that he talked with Carter recently but that the meeting was "short and arrogant."
Carter's campaign spokeswoman, Cheron Brylski, said that since the primary, Carter has met with the major also-rans in the primary, as well as elected leaders from across Jefferson Parish, and has drawn considerable support.
"The coalition that Karen is building is one of credible leadership," Brylski said. "We feel like we've had a great week doing that."
As for the "family values" attacks, Carter has made no secret that she is "100 percent pro-choice." About her vote against a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union of "one man and one woman," she said, "I believe in treating people as I would like to be treated."
Flinging barbs
Asked Friday about the federal investigation targeting Jefferson, Shepherd said the congressman has not been charged with a crime and that the matter is "between him and the Justice Department." He said his backing of Jefferson comes without strings.
"There are no deals I cut with Congressman Jefferson," he said.
Brylski dismissed Shepherd's explanation.
"When he announced his candidacy," she said, "he said he had a duty to remove the shadow of scandal from this office. And today, he admitted he's completely ignoring his duty."
Shepherd also criticized Carter, who is chairwoman of the House Insurance Committee, as beholden to the insurance industry, and accused her of protecting companies' right to increase rates without public hearings.
"As one who has spent his political career battling for average folks, her alliance with the insurance companies is unacceptable to me," Shepherd said, calling Carter an "elitist."
Responding on Carter's behalf, Brylski said Shepherd is "lying and distorting her record," and that Jefferson is hurting average citizens by failing to deliver on his pledge of an "honorable explanation" for the allegations of bribery.
Others who joined Shepherd on Friday included New Orleans City Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis, Kenner Councilman Marc Johnson and Gretna Councilman Jonathan Bolar.
At her own news conference Thursday, Carter pledged to fight crime and back flood-protection efforts along the Harvey Canal. She also took a dig at Jefferson's legal predicament, promising to bring "character, ethics and integrity" to the seat.
"You know I'm going to make you proud," she said.
. . . . . . .
Rob Nelson can be reached at rnelson@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3796.