Who should I vote for in the 2008 Louisiana 6th District House of Representatives Race?
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Don Cazayoux, Democratic Congressman from Lousiana's 7th District, is running for reelection merely 7 months after defeating Republican Woody Jenkins in a special election to fill the vacant seat. The 7th had been controlled for 33 years by Republicans, but with the Democratic takeover in the last cycle the voters decided to send Cazayoux to Capitol Hill, causing a major shift in thinking for this traditionally red district. Being as the May election is so fresh in voters' minds, Cazayoux has a good chance at reelection. Side: New Election After 7 Months
Cazayou: The Middle Class Will Have The Same Health Care as Congressman Cazayoux in this campaign ad during the primaries pledges to give all citizens access to affordable health care. “My plan would allow every individual and small businesses to buy into the same health care plan that they have in Congress. He places particular emphasis on provision such a plan to the middle class. Youtube Video
Side: Don Cazayoux
Cazayoux: Internet Legislation Protecting Kids and Tips In an effort to claim the votes of parents of young children, Cazayoux offers three tips in this ad. He co-wrote a bill that targeted online child predators. He pledges to put into law safety standards on social networking sites such as Facebook. Here are his tips: (1) Move your computer to a common area (2) Check what your child is posting online (3) Go to his website www.ParentWebTips.com Youtube Video
Side: Internet
Cazayoux: Green, But Covered in Oil In this campaign ad, recent incumbent Cazayoux outlines his energy plan. (1) More offshore drilling (2) Clean oil refineries (3) Invest in alternative energy He acknowledges the fact that the Democrats predominantly oppose drilling when he says that he is taking leadership on offshore drilling to wean America off its energy dependence. Somewhat disingenuously, Cazayoux claims that this would lead to more jobs when in the background, there are pictures of solar panels. Louisiana, geographically situated along the Gulf of Mexico, is in a prime position to benefit economically from more drilling and refineries. The notion of “clean” oil refineries also should raise concerns among environmentalists. An oxymoron, they might claim. Youtube Video
Side: Energy
Cazayoux’s Support of Two National Security Bills The Democratic incumbent has not been in the Congress long, but he has sponsored two notable pieces of legislation. Cazayou voted for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that allows the federal government to wiretap calls that Americans make to telephone numbers abroad. The law is highly controversial, and has raised much criticism from civil rights advocates. He sponsored the National Energy Security Intelligence Act of 2008 that calls on the director of National Intelligence to study how energy prices affect national security. Cazayou pledges to invest in alternative energy development in part because he believes that energy independence will lead to stronger national security. Side: National Security
Blue Dog Cazayoux Cuts Spending and Taxes Cazayoux is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democrats. He has voted for a number of bills that would cut spending and taxes. The Budget Enforcement and Accountability Act of 2007 would force the government to spend only what revenues come into the government. This is also known a pay-go policy. Through the Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008, 48,000 in the 6th District would not have to pay taxes. With the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008, tax cuts would be allotted to parents, homeowners, teachers paying for school expenses out of pocket, and students attending university. Side: Economy
According to a new poll by Anzalone Lizst Research, Cazayoux is leading Cassidy by 16 points and has nearly 48% of the vote. After Hurricane Gustav, points for Cazayoux soared as he expressed keep interest in getting Louisianians the help that they require. Kate Nee, Cazayoux's campaign manager released this statement: “We're pleased to see that the voters of Louisiana's 6 th District understand that Don Cazayoux represents their values and is working in Congress to find commonsense, bi-partisan solutions to our energy crisis, the troubled economy, and the obstacles we face as we recover from Hurricane Gustav." Side: Don Cazayoux
Cazayoux Votes Against Bailout On the grounds of a swelling deficit, Cazayoux voted against the $700 billion bailout. He argued that the bill did little to prevent future similar crises from ensuing. After the vote, he stated, "It is clear that problems in our financial markets have been allowed to grow for too long. Wall Street needs real reform that puts the focus back on smart regulation and oversight; not an expensive band-aid that will not address the underlying issues. This legislation is an insufficient short term solution to a problem that has far-reaching and long term implications." It is unclear what the Louisiana Democrat proposes as an alternative. Side: Bailout
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Cazayoux voted for the FISA amendments and seems to have fallen in line with the majority of his colleagues by endorsing Obama for president. Cassidy at least seems to have qualifying credentials as a doctor who comes out in direct opposition to Obama's plans for American workplaces. He has not been clear where he stands on the war in Iraq and may not be much better for office unless he is made aware that his party used to favor nonintervention. Side:
 Bill Cassidy (R) Dr. Bill Cassidy(R) has made drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge a major policy issue to separate himself from his opponent, Congressman Don Cazayoux(D), in his bid to retake Louisiana's 7th Congressional District House seat for the Republicans this November. According to polls, 50% of Americans support opening ANWR to drilling, a figure that stays consistent in every state in the union. With the pain at the pump, especially in the Gulf Coast region, voters are open to new options, despite the timetable on securing the petroleum reserves. By making this a prime issue, Cassidy has galvanized the electorate which may prove to help him this fall. Side: Arctic Drilling to Help Cassidy
Cassidy’s Past Positions on Education and Economics In his 2006 bid for State Senate, Cassidy quickly outlined a number of positions in this campaign ad. With the exception of health care, Cassidy does not explicitly state on his 2008 campaign website where he stands on these issues. His past stances may be indicators of what he supports today. Health Care: Cassidy claims that the system will “work” if administrative costs are cut and there is a statewide Health Insurance Exchange. Economic Development: The candidate wanted to eliminate sales tax on machinery and equipment. Education: Parents should get to choose which public school their children attend. Teacher needs to be paid more. Youtube Video
Side: Bill Cassidy
Cassidy Lays Out His Conservative Social and Economic Platform in His Announcement to Run for Congress Cassidy lays out his conservative economic values when he says, “Smaller government is better government. That lower taxes are better taxes.” When Cassidy states,“Life must be protected,” he stakes his position against abortion. His bid for the formidable religious vote is evident when he states, “Louisiana values start with faith.” Youtube Video
Side: Bill Cassidy
Cassidy Will Vote for Laborers? Cassidy pledges to vote against the Employee Free Choice Act. The Republican candidate is against it because the bill would eliminate the secret ballot within union meetings. Under current law, the majority of union members must vote to decide whether the union will go to the bargaining table with employers. Cassidy frames the new bill as a problem because it infringes on the democratic process within unions and subjugates the say of individuals to the votes of union leaders. However, Cassidy does not mention the headaches this bill would cause employers. An expedited voting process would mean that union leaders would make more demands on employers. Cassidy’s stance on the bill could be as much if not more of a statement of Cassidy’s support of business over labor. Side: Economy
Cassidy: Drilling Offers Drop in Fuel Prices And a Boom for Louisiana Oil Companies Like the Democratic incumbent, Cassidy supports more drilling. He supports drilling offshore and in ANWR and wants to limit regulations on oil refineries. All of this, the Republican candidate claims, will lead America to a path of energy independence and will lower prices at the pump. The latter ambition, however, is doubtful. Prices will not immediately drop because the investment construction, and production processes will take some time to affect gasoline prices. The national concern over fuel prices notwithstanding, drilling would significantly benefit Louisiana’s economy. The state’s companies would be infused with cash to build rigs and pipelines and supply boats. Side: Energy
Cassidy Pledges to Address Health Care Access, Cost, and Quality As a doctor and medical teacher at LSU Medical School, candidate Cassidy may legitimately claim to be an authority on health care provision. Is he an authority on health care policy? His plan, which is similar to other Republican candidates’ plans across the nation, would: (1) Set up portability of insurance (2) Allow interstate competition among companies The first part would maintain health care access to those who already have insurance and change jobs. The second would in theory lower the costs of coverage. The lower costs would then allow lower income classes more access. However, a decline in prices and consequent increased number of insured in no guarantee under this system. This is not a universal coverage plan. Finally, these two measures alone with not necessarily bring about better quality. Side: Health care
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