Republican Candidate Forum Monday at Pit Crew Steak House & Barbecue

Submitted by Deana Vickry

CENTRAL, LA – September 13, 2011    

    Billy Nungesser, the  parish president of Plaquemines challenging incumbent Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is coming to Central. So is New Orleans attorney Joseph Cao, qualified to run against Attorney General Buddy Caldwell.

    They are among many of the qualified Republicans accepting invitations to speak this Monday for the MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM and Membership Meeting of Republican Women of Central.

    “Barbecue and Saucy Political Conversation” are on the menu for this event at Pitt Crew Barbecue, located on the corner of Hooper and Shady Bluff Roads in Central, LA. Doors open at 6p.m., meeting and “stump speeches” begin at 6:30p.m. Cost is $15 per person for the meeting, including barbecue buffet, cold drinks and homemade desserts by RWC members and door prize drawing.

    All state elected positions are up for grabs – Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Commissioner of Forestry and Agriculture, Commissioner of Insurance, Senate, State Representatives and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).  For the first time in our state’s history, Republicans outnumber Democrats as registered voters, and in some races there are no democratic or other challengers.

    “We must become better acquainted with all Republican candidates in this important October 22nd election,” said RWC President Joan Lansing. “This forum gives the public a chance to meet those qualified as Republicans in a casual, social setting.”

    Also attending are Central residents seeking election to the newly formed State Senate District 6: State Rep. Mack “Bodi” White and Michael J. Mannino, Jr.

    Areas of Central and Livingston both fall into State Senate District 13 where incumbent Dale Erdey is being challenged by another Republican, newcomer Derek Babcock. Both are attending.

    When State Rep. White announced his candidacy for the Senate, his seat in District 64 became available and two newcomers, attorney Barry Elkins and Livingston Parish Republican Valarie Hodges, stepped up to run. Both will offer their qualifications, platforms and visions for the job.

    In nearby District 63 in Baker and Brownfield area, first-time candidate Barbara Thomas is the only Republican in her race.

    EBRP Sheriff and Republican candidate “Sid” J. Gautreaux, III and EBRP Coroner candidate Dr. William “Beau” Clark and incumbent of 8 years Dr. Shannon Cooper will be attending.

    Zachary City Police Chief candidate David McDavid is the only Republican in his race, and looks forward to meeting residents of the area.

    Voter registration, party affiliation change, and absentee ballot request forms will be available.

    Co-hosting the event is the re-organizing and revitalized Republican Women of Baker/Zachary led by Jeannette Boggs of Zachary, LA. The two groups are partnering to include all Republican candidates in the northern part of East Baton Rouge Parish.

    Reservations and information can be made by emailing [email protected]. Information on RWC and membership can be found on www.lfrw.org/republicanwomenofcentral or by contacting Betsy Barnes, Membership Committee Chairwoman at (225)333-0018.

    For information on membership in the Republican Women of Baker/Zachary, please contact President Jeanette Boggs, email [email protected] or (225)936-1378.