Melancon says he has leaders’ endorsements
By PATRICK COURREGES
Advocate Acadiana bureau,
The Baton Rouge Advocate
Published: Oct 11, 2006

U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, on Tuesday announced he has the endorsement of more than 100 state and local officials in his bid for a second term in Congress.

Melancon is facing three challengers — state Sen. Craig Romero, R-New Iberia; Franklin Libertarian James Lee Blake Jr.; and LaPlace Democrat Olangee “OJ” Breech — in the Nov. 7 race for Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District seat.

More than two dozen officials on the Melancon endorsement list joined him for a Tuesday afternoon news conference in Thibodaux.

Included on the list of endorsements are 22 state legislators from inside and outside the 3rd District, three district attorneys, six sheriffs, five parish presidents and assorted city and parish officials — mainly from his geographic base on the eastern end of the sprawling 3rd District.

The 3rd District covers all or part of 13 parishes, from Iberia and St. Martin parishes in the west to St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes in the east, including portions of Jefferson and Ascension parishes.

State Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom was also at the event to give his support to Melancon. “I think he’s a good representative for agriculture,” Odom said of Melancon.

“I’m not a Democrat or Republican party guy, I look at the individual.”

Melancon said he appreciates support from any level, but especially from local officials.

“I think local endorsements help you, more than endorsements from congressmen or senators, because they are on the ground,” he said.

Melancon said voters often turn to their local officials for advice on who would serve their area the best.

He said that local officials do not take that lightly, either.

Melancon said that just as a businessperson would not recommend an employee to another employer if that employee could not do the job, local officials are not going to back a candidate whom they do not believe in.

“That sends the message that Melancon is the person you support,” he said. Melancon said rounding up endorsements is a basic part of any strategy in politics, and local endorsements especially so.

Romero’s campaign responded to the endorsement with a release questioning who was left off the list, including Ascension Parish Councilman Alvin Thomas, who had endorsed Melancon, but recently pled guilty to bribery charges; Republican 2004 3rd District candidate Kevin Chiasson, who endorsed Melancon in 2004 but switched to Romero this time; and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who has donated to Melancon’s campaign and for whom Melancon cast his vote for House speaker in 2005.