FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2006
RELEASE CONTACT: Lewis Lowe
985-369-7770

Melancon Campaign Hosts Community Dinner in New Iberia

New Iberia , La. .- Congressman Charlie Melancon hosted his seventh community dinner in New Iberia on Monday night. The dinner, hosted at the Gougenheim in downtown in New Iberia , was a chance for Iberia and St. Martin Parish voters to meet and listen to Congressman Melancon talk about the issues and answer questions from the audience.

Over 140 people attended the standing room only event and were treated to jambalaya, green beans, and candied yams. Congressman Melancon addressed some of the most important issues facing Louisiana and the nation. Topics discussed included coastal restoration, offshore oil royalty sharing, improving education, and immigration reform.

“For too long now, our country has been divided by the extremes on the left and the right,” Melancon said. “It is my hope that in the next Congress, we can work together and solve the problems that Americans face everyday.”

Also in attendance was Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle. Camardelle made the long trip from Grand Isle to tell the audience his story about Grand Isle’s plight during Hurricane Katrina.

“After the storm, the first call I got was from Charlie Melancon,” Camardelle said. “I asked for 150 troops from the National Guard to protect our homes, and Charlie got them for us. I am forever grateful for Charlie and hope everyone supports him for re-election.”

In his first term, Melancon has been one of the most centrist and bi-partisan members of the House of Representatives. In 2005, he voted with the Democrats 71% of the time, and voted with the Republicans 68% of the time. Melancon’s motto has always been “I will work with anyone, or stand up to anyone, if it’s the right thing to do for Louisiana.”