Jul 12

True Blue Gala – August 26 – NOLA

Today, the Louisiana Democratic Party announced that popular national figure Jason Kander will be the headliner at this year’s big annual dinner, now called the True Blue Gala. Kander, president of Let America Vote, is an Afghanistan veteran, and was the first millennial elected to statewide office in the U.S. His rise as a leader in the party catalyzed when he came within three points of winning a highly competitive federal senate race in a deep red state last cycle- in part fueled by a daring gun background check ad that went viral.

“We’re thrilled to have Jason at our dinner this year because we believe he speaks to the next generation of leadership in our country. Jason is exactly the sort of leader we need to progress the party in the South. He’s a young veteran who continues to put his country before himself,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Carter Peterson. “I’ve been inspired more than a few times hearing Jason speak at events. I also have the privilege of serving on The Democratic National Committee Commission to Protect American Democracy with him, where we fight against Republican efforts to make it harder to vote for eligible Americans across the country.”

The dinner will be held at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans on Saturday, August 26^th at 7 p.m. Tickets are available here. Hotel reservations can be made here.

Previous year’s speakers include Senator Cory Booker, Representative Joaquin Castro, former Governors Martin O’Malley, Ed Rendell Jennifer Granholm and Charlie Crist, and great friend to Louisiana, Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Read more about Jason here.

Tickets are available at: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tbjasonkander

Jul 11

RELEASE: Krista’s story, the high cost of the GOP Healthcare Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2017

Contact: D’Seante Parks
dparks@lademo.org
(225) 336-4155

DNC & Louisiana Democratic Party Highlight Krista’s Story and Impact of Republican Repeal Bill

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, the Louisiana Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee and the are releasing a new video called “Krista’s Fight for Medicaid,” which highlights the story of Krista – a single mother from Louisiana, who would experience firsthand the damaging effects of the Republican health care repeal bill. The Senate Republican repeal bill would strip access to quality and affordable coverage away from 22 million Americans and gut Medicaid, which families across the country depend on every day. Under Governor John Bel Edwards, Louisiana benefited from the expansion of Medicaid but the Republican bill would jeopardize coverage for more than 433,000 people , affecting families like Krista’s and putting children’s health at risk.

“The Republican repeal bill is unconscionably cruel and hurts families like Krista’s who are working tirelessly to provide for their families. Our elected leaders should be doing everything possible to ensure that more people have access to affordable coverage – not less,” said LDP Executive Director Stephen Handwerk. “Democrats will continue to stand by Krista and others who believe that all people deserve access to affordable healthcare, and we will continue to fight each day until that becomes a reality for every Louisianan.”

Watch Krista’s story here.

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Jun 26

RELEASE: LDP Congratulates Mayor Landrieu on New Role

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

Contact: D’Seante Parks

dparks@ledemo.org

225-336-4155

CHAIR OF THE LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONGRATULATES MAYOR MITCH LANDRIEU ON IMPORTANT NEW ROLE

Senator Karen Carter Peterson Commends Landrieu For Being Named The President of The U.S. Conference of Mayors

Baton Rouge, LA – Today, the Louisiana Democratic Party offered a congratulatory message to Mayor Mitch Landrieu on his new position as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Senator Karen Carter Peterson, Chair of LDP said, “I’m extremely proud of my mayor and friend, Mitch, who has been a fearless leader for our city. I look forward to his future work in this capacity. The U.S. Conference of Mayors is fortunate to have a hardworking, pioneering president.”

Notable quotes from Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s speech to the U.S. Conference of Mayors today:

“In this political climate, we as mayors must fight to occupy the radical center, where idealism meets reality and where we put people over politics.”

“America’s greatness is alive and well in cities and towns across this country from urban to rural to suburban and from coast to coast. . . It is in our cities where energy meets opportunity. Where grit and determination produce new jobs. . . It is in our city where hope hits the street.”

“This country is clearly hungry for results, and that is what a mayor delivers everyday. We govern in real time. We govern in reality. We never step back when duty calls. We don’t just talk about it. We don’t just debate it. We don’t have time for that.”

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Jun 20

RELEASE: LDP Calls on Louisiana Senators to End Secret Process to Repeal ACA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2017

Contact: D’Seante Parks
dparks@ledemo.org
225-336-4155

The Louisiana Democratic Party is Calling on Senator Cassidy and Senator Kennedy to End the Closed Door Process to Repeal the ACA

Director of the Party Stephen Handwerk Urged the Lawmakers to Stop the Secrecy

“Senate Republicans are creating a bill with no public input, no hearings, and are bypassing the normal committee process on an issue that affects tens of millions of Americans’ lives. Not only is the text secret, but there will be no committee markups, no opportunity for Democratic amendments or even questions, and no bipartisan negotiations. Republicans are now also restricting media access to Senate members to ensure continued secrecy. This process is a scandal against our democracy. It’s a stark contrast to the open legislative process Democrats used to develop and pass the Affordable Care Act in 2009-2010.

“We must be vigilant in holding our representatives accountable. No bill should be drafted and passed in the dark. We are calling on republicans to bring the process to the light. We call on Louisiana U.S. Senators Cassidy and Kennedy to reject this un-democratic process and stand up for their constituents.”

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Jun 18

2017 Power UP Trainings

HUGE NEWS

Everyone’s been asking what LDP is doing next for our SUMMER OF RESISTANCE and we’re excited to give you an advance look at our big events! We’re holding day-long training sessions across the state to recruit and train activists, staff, and new candidates who represent our progressive values!

These events are designed to teach democrats the secrets of the trade so that they can be more effective than ever. The day will include talks from some of the best in the state on digital strategy, messaging and civic engagement, among other topics!

Join us in a city near you. Space is extremely limited and will fill up fast once we start advertising more widely so sign up today!

Shreveport Tickets

Lafayette Tickets

New Orleans Tickets

Attendees to these trainings will learn the latest tools, how to run meetings, how to grow our base, how to hold protests and so much more! Get your tickets NOW and you will help us plan the agenda for each city’s customised trainings!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Questions about these trainings reach out to our Public Affairs Director, D’Seante Parks at dparks@lademo.org

Jun 14

RELEASE: Chair Karen Carter Peterson Statement on Rep. Scalise Shooting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

Contact: D’Seante Parks

dparks@ledemo.org

(225) 336-4155

Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party on Steve Scalise Shooting

Senator Karen Carter Peterson Offers Response in Light of The Senseless Act of Violence

“I am deeply saddened and troubled that anyone would inflict terror on public servants. Steve Scalise is my friend and former state legislative colleague. My heart goes out to him, the other victims involved, his family, and the brave law enforcement officers injured in this tragic incident.

The upcoming congressional ballgame that he and others were practicing for is one of few occasions that bring Democrats and Republicans together. I know personally that Steve and I share a core philosophy of standing up and fighting hard for what you believe in. He’s strong and I look forward to his full recovery.”

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May 30

RELEASE: LDP ANNOUNCES NEW HIRE

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY ANNOUNCES NEW HIRE

The Organization Brings On Seasoned Local As Director of Public Affairs

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, the Louisiana Democratic Party announced that D’Seante Parks joined the organization as Director of Public Affairs. Parks’ family is from Shreveport, Louisiana and she graduated from the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University.

Parks will manage communications and engagement statewide. An alumna of SKDKnickerbocker in Washington, D.C., she returned home to work on Mary Landrieu’s re-election campaign in 2014. Following the loss, she joined Kamala Harris’ successful U.S. Senate campaign in California. Most recently Parks served as political director for Afghanistan Veteran Jason Kander’s U.S. Senate campaign in Missouri.

“D’Seante is a vital addition to the team,” said Executive Director Stephen Handwerk. “In the face of growing resistance, we have seen folks wanting to run for office and get involved at every level so we’re excited to have a seasoned professional with personal ties to the state to support and grow those initiatives. D’Seante’s combined experience as a communications professional, political strategist, and community organizer are what made her the best candidate for the job.”

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to come back and work to ensure the right people represent Louisianans at every level,” said Parks. “I look forward to building partnerships across the state, recruiting candidates that reflect progressive Louisiana values and growing our voter base.”

“It’s exciting to see talent from Louisiana return. We strive to ensure that the party reflects our vast, diverse state so having someone in the office every day whose family is in Shreveport is a valuable addition,“ said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Carter Peterson. “D’Seante has worked on some important campaigns across the country and we are thrilled to have her back at such an important time for Louisiana.”

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Mar 30

RELEASE: Landry Sued For Breaking The Law

Landry Sued For Breaking The Law
Pledged Transparency During 2015 Campaign

BATON ROUGE – This week, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has come under fire for failing to produce public records from his office. The Advocate reported that despite having received a request for documents that are attainable under public records laws on September 30, 2016, Jeff Landry’s office is making excuses for why he cannot comply with the law.

“Jeff Landry is breaking the law,” said Stephen Handwerk, Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party. “No matter what the excuse is, the bottom line is that Jeff Landry is refusing to turn over public records. In 2015, Jeff Landry touted transparency, but as soon as he took office, he immediately began hiding important information from the public. Since he is going to such great lengths to hide these records from the public, the simple question is – what’s he hiding?”

According to the Louisiana Record in 2015, “An organization working to hold attorney general candidates accountable says Louisiana attorney general candidate Jeff Landry has made a pledge to be transparent in office.”

“Jeff Landry has been anything, but transparent,” Handwerk continued. “The law clearly gives elected officials a timeline for turning over documents, but the AG isn’t complying. For someone who is supposed to enforce the law, clearly, he thinks he is above it.

“What are you hiding, Jeff?”

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Jan 31

What are you waiting on Jeff?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

1/31/2017

For additional information contact Bri at 225-336-4155

What are you waiting for Jeff?

If the Attorney general is to be consistent, a lawsuit against President Trump is forthcoming.

BATON ROUGE – Late yesterday the White House issued a statement that President Trump will leave in place President Obama’s 2014 executive order. That E.O. is nearly identical in its intent to the one Governor John Bel Edwards issued last year giving workplace protections to the LGBTQ community. In both Executive Orders there are broad protections from workplace discrimination in government jobs as well as those who wish to contract with the Government. The order by Governor John Bel Edwards has drawn the contempt of A.G. Landry so much so that it is currently being litigated.

Stephen Handwerk, Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party issued the following statement:

“I have a simple question for the Attorney General – when should we expect your lawsuit against President Trump?”

Jan 11

Join the 2017 Blue Krewe!

Members of the Blue Krewe are individuals who are committed to developing our state party in order to “make Louisiana blue.” Each member makes a monthly or annual contribution and is asked to provide feedback and guidance on the direction of LDP efforts throughout the year.

Some Blue Krewe members will even receive “lagniappe” like official LDP car magnets, koozies, tote bags, lapel pins, invitations to occasional conference calls and events, and even exclusive discounts and tickets for our annual dinner — All you have to do is sign up for a monthly contribution!

Dec 3

Louisiana Democrats Congratulate Sharon Weston Broome Mayor-President Elect

CLEAR AND DECISIVE VICTORY FOR BROOME

East Baton Rouge Parish chose a leader for all the parish

BATON ROUGE, LA – After a long, hard race – East Baton Rouge has chosen their next leader

Senator Karen Carter Peterson, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party released the following statement:

“Mayor-President Elect Broome showed throughout this campaign that she is someone who is serious about bringing this community together and making us whole and will never seek to divide. That message clearly resonated with voters in a year that has been nothing short of difficult for Democrats.

“This community has been shaken to its core with shootings, floods, budget struggles, hospital closures, and more – there is simply no better choice to lead this region than my former colleague, my friend and now the Mayor President Elect – Sharon Weston Broome.”

Dec 1

Congressman Richmond Elected As Congressional Black Caucus Chair

Louisiana Democrats congratulate and support Richmond

BATON ROUGE, LA – The Louisiana Democratic Party congratulates Congressman Cedric Richmond as yesterday, members of the Congressional Black Caucus voted to elect him as their new chair.

The Congressional Black Caucus is a pivotal and prominent force in the US House of Representatives, advocating for African-Americans and influencing the Democratic Party agenda. With almost 50 members, Richmond will preside over the largest Congressional Black Caucus in history. Richmond has said he wants to “advance criminal justice reform, improve economic opportunities for the disadvantaged, and protect voting rights” as caucus chair.

“This is a huge win for Louisiana,” Senator Karen Carter Peterson, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, said. “In this new position, Congressman Richmond will now have an expanded role in shaping important plans and policies. Louisiana just got a bigger seat at the table at this most critical time in our country’s history, and if I know Congressman Richmond, he’ll be sure to stand up for our issues and make our voices heard. I couldn’t be prouder of him — my only regret about his election is that this will mean less time for us to go fishing.”

“We’re very excited for Congressman Richmond,” Stephen Handwerk, Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, said. “He’s one of the hardest working men I know. There’s no higher honor than to be elected by your peers. We here at the Louisiana Democratic Party are looking forward to working with him and seeing him thrive in this new role.”

Richmond has represented Louisiana’s 2nd congressional district since first elected in 2010.

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