July 09, 2010

U.S. Rep. Melancon: Louisiana deserves better

By Stephen Largen  |  The News Star  |  Link to article

U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon has dubbed his current series of campaign stops in his attempt to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., as the "Louisiana First" tour.

But it's the Napoleonville Democrat's favored tagline — "Louisiana deserves better" — that's become the central theme of his campaign and his attempt to contrast himself with Vitter.

The persistent drip of news in recent weeks surrounding the resignation and criminal history of a longtime Vitter aide has been chum in the water for Melancon and the state Democratic Party, who have seized on the story to portray Vitter as dishonest and avoiding questions.

Vitter aide Brent Furer, who in 2008 pleaded guilty to holding his girlfriend at knifepoint in an apartment and stabbing her in the hand, was disciplined with paid leave by Vitter but kept on staff in the wake of the plea.

State Democrats and several women's groups say Furer was Vitter's designated point man on women's issues, but Vitter has denied the charge despite several women's group leaders saying they were directed to Furer by Vitter's office when they had quaestions on issues.

A day after qualifying for the election, Melancon said in a campaign stop at Monroe's Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant early Thursday evening that the Furer affair is illustrative of a larger point about Vitter.

"This is all about accumulation of breaks with the trust of the people of this state," Melancon said in an interview with The News-Star.

"The issue in the campaign is that he doesn't respect women. He votes against them. He tells people he's for them and then votes against them."

Melancon said Vitter, who made a campaign appearance in Monroe Wednesday night, should have fired Furer immediately after the aide pleaded guilty.

Melancon did not mention Furer during his remarks to the 40 supporters who showed up at the restaurant.

Instead, he said Louisiana needs both of its senators to work cooperatively, which Melancon said Vitter has done.

Melancon also attempted to cast himself as a centrist Democrat amid attacks from Vitter and Republicans who say he is joined at the hip to President Barack Obama and other national Democratic leaders who are deeply unpopular in Louisiana.

"My party is not always happy with me," Melancon said.

"Contrary to what my opponent says, I don't always follow the party line as he does."

Joshua Stockley, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a former president of the Louisiana Political Science Association, said Melancon must cast himself as a "Louisiana Democrat" and distance himself from national Democratic leaders if he is to successfully unseat Vitter. Melancon trails Vitter in both fundraising and in the polls.

Melancon also must amplify turnout by exciting Democrats to vote for him, not just vote against Vitter, Stockley added.

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo, who introduced Melancon Thursday, said he has a few months to develop grassroots support and cement a bipartisan image.

"The average person wants somebody who can work with both parties to get things done," Mayo said.