Boissiere says ‘dark money’ pushed PSC race to run-off vote – Mid-City Messenger

Danae Columbus, opinion columnist

Lambert Boissiere III, the incumbent Louisiana District 3 Public Service Commissioner, launched a scathing attack on outside forces on Wednesday night (November 9), threatening the PSC’s fourth and final term. He said the bid triggered a run-off vote. “Almost a million dollars of black money was poured into my race from donors outside Louisiana. Boissiere spoke to a roomful of Democratic leaders in New Orleans. The PSC race is the only New Orleans contest where he didn’t get a single candidate to win his 50% of the votes on November 8th. A runoff vote will be held on December 10th.

Boissiere received 43% of the vote over four other candidates. Young Button his rouge policy advocate, Davante Luis, came in second to him with 18% of the vote. Reverend Gregory Manning was a close third with 17% of the vote, followed by Willie Jones and Jesse Thompson. The district spans 10 parishes that stretch from New Orleans up the Mississippi River to East Baton Rouge and West Baton Rouge.

According to Boissiere, the public service commissioner for the PSC seat in District 3 represents more black Louisianas than any other black, including U.S. Congressman Troy Carter. The number of voters in the PSC district is 100,000 more than he has in the two districtsnd parliamentary district. Boissiere said the position will always be a “New Orleans seat” and should not be filled by an untested candidate from the north end of the district. Button lives in Rouge, Louisiana, where he works at Budget Projects, Louis is from Lake He Charles. Lewis last year failed to run for the East He Baton He Rouge He Metro He Council.

Boissiere asked local Democrats to continue their support and help rally voters to the ballot for the runoff. “This election is halfway between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) donated at least $500,000 to educate voters about Boissiere’s record and the donor base filled with companies regulated by the PSC and its executives. Opposing candidates attacked over Boissiere’s voting record during the campaign.

Lewis is supported by Voters Organized to Educate (VOTE), a non-profit organization focused on building collective power in the criminal justice system. Founded by Norris Henderson, her VOTE and its sister organization, the Voice of the Experienced, are powerful forces with progressive voters.

Prior to this campaign cycle, Reverend Manning was the leader of Justice & Beyond, a civil rights coalition promoting systemic change. More than seven years ago, Norris Henderson and J&B parted ways after several J&B leaders supported Sheriff Merlin Guzman, whom Henderson and his group opposed. That riff never healed—it paved the way for Lewis to gain their support and the votes that came with it.

Boissiere’s ability to run first was also due to the war chest he brought into the campaign. His opposition was in the early stages of organizing and fundraising, with EDF not yet in the competition, but Boissiere spending money on media and consultants. He kept in touch with chronic voters before their absentee ballots were distributed. Many early voters chose Boissiere because they hadn’t heard his negative opinion. Boissiere performed exceptionally well in early voting in Orleans Parish, giving them a buffer to offset weak support elsewhere in the district.

Boissiere wouldn’t have made it to the runoff if PSC candidate Willie Jones had plenty of cash. After Boissiere qualified, Jones investigated Boissiere’s files with the state ethics committee and discovered that Boissiere had unpaid fees that may have caused his exclusion from the race. Jones said he did not have the funds available to file the necessary court challenges. Instead, he began telling political insiders what his research had revealed. Boissiere was made aware of the situation and was able to pay the ethics fee and pay to qualify for his second round before the deadline. Mayor LaToya Cantrell faced a similar situation in her second term. After qualifying, Cantrell realized there was an outstanding fine, paid it, and also paid to qualify for his second run before the deadline.

The runoff for this seat is going to be quick and dirty as early voting begins right after Thanksgiving. Boissiere, who now chairs the PSC, is probably already looking to his third-placed opponent and his fourth-placed opponent for support. He still has the ability to raise an additional $100,000 or more from PSC-regulated industries if needed. These very industries will go to great lengths to keep their trusted friends in the office. Lewis’ fundraising will also come from grassroots donors who support environmental causes. EDF and other major environmental groups may also smell blood and intervene in new campaigns.

Boissiere said New Orleans voters have always benefited from his service on committees and that he can work with everyone from large corporations to small pastors. Over 50% of his voters disagreed. Lewis’ election will upend the way SPC and lesser-known agencies have always done business. Perhaps the breath of fresh air has been long awaited.

Women’s Rights Big Winner in District 5 State Senate Election

When two good candidates compete, their voters win. Abortion rights also came out on top in the Senate elections for District 5. Highly effective Congressman Lois Duplessi has pledged to represent New Orleans as the next state senator and lead the pro-choice issue. Rep. Mandy Landry, already the state’s first lawmaker on abortion rights, will continue her leadership role. Together, they can be a powerful team for women’s rights.

The Independent Women’s Organization will host nationally recognized pro-choice advocate Rebecca Tong at its annual luncheon at The Cannery on Saturday, November 12th. Co-Executive Director of Trust Women Kansas, Ton will discuss the success of the Save Abortion campaign in Kansas. Luncheon starts at 10am. Tickets are available at www.iwoneworleans.org.

Danae Columbus, a 30-year career in politics and public relations, spoke out Thursday. Her career includes serving at City Hall, the Dock Commission, and the Orleans Parish Board of Education, with former District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, former City Councilman Jared Brossett, City Councilman Helena Moreno, Foster Includes former clients such as Campbell, former lieutenant governor. Jay Durden, former sheriff Charles Forty, former City Councilman Stacey Head, and Cynthia Hedge-Morrell. She is a member of the Democratic Parish Executive Committee. Columbus can be reached at swampednola@gmail.com.