LaPolitics Report

Secretary of State Nancy Landry said in this episode she has decided to seek re-election next year — and hints at what might happen after one more term. Landry also discusses the new open primary system and how prepared election workers are for the change.

In the latest LaPolitics Report Podcast, you'll learn how former Ways and Means Chair Julie Emerson didn't get hired by Gov. Jeff Landry, back when he was in Congress 15 years ago, before finally being selected this year as his current chief of staff. Emerson also talks about campaign songs and believes Wayne Toups may be the artist to create one for her boss. Plus, she discusses the ongoing regular session, the governor's agenda leading up to his re-election bid and what a chief of staff actually does on a day-to-day basis.

In this latest episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser offers an alternative take on the Legislature's push to offer incentives to the aerospace tech industry. Nungesser also share his views on President Donald Trump, the state's new closed primary system (he doesn't believe it's here to stay) and the future of tourism in Louisiana. Plus, we open this episode with audio from 1988 featuring Nungesser's father on the importance of late Gov. Dave Treen's role in bringing more minorities into the state GOP.

Recorded in November 2016, this is Episode 9 featuring Baton Rouge media consultant Roy Fletcher, who talked about his very diverse body of work. From helping run John McCain’s presidential campaign to creating iconic images on TV for statewide elected officials, Fletcher has seen it all. This episode also has a review of 2016's proposed constitutional amendments from Adams & Reese partner Rob Rieger. Plus, we kick this particular show off with an audio clip that explains why late Gov. Mike Foster got into politics in the first place.

Recorded in May 2017 for our second season, Episode 16 featured two of then-Gov. John Bel Edwards’ key aides: Matthew Block and Richard Carbo. Block discussed his job as the administration’s executive counsel. Carbo, Edwards’ communications director, touched on working with the press and shared memories about growing up in a well-known political family. Speaking of, this episode starts with a blast from the past in the form of an audio clip of the late Camille Gravel. In addition to being Carbo’s grandfather, Gravel, like Block, was the executive counsel for three Louisiana governors dating back to Uncle Earl Long.

An Ongoing Series on the Legislature's Chairs:As part of an ongoing series on the Louisiana Legislature's various chairs, episode 82 of the LaPolitics Report Podcast focuses on the head of the minority party's efforts in the lower chamber.House Democratic Caucus Chair Kyle Green discusses the future of his party, the ongoing regular session, redistricting and other legislative issues.As chairman of a party caucus, Green joins others in overseeing everything from advocacy to fundraising events, like the forthcoming Donkey Romp.Green explains the caucus' strategy for legislative growth and offers his take on the need for a new state constitution.Plus, we kick off this episode with a look back at the controversial persona of late Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee.

In the latest episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, we have a wide-ranging conversation with state Rep.-elect Paul Sawyer that eventually lands on English surnames, the characters created by Mark Twain and the writing prowess of late President Ulysses S. Grant. Somewhere in between, we hear Sawyer discuss what it's like going from the staff level in the U.S. Congress to one of the newest mid-term members of the Louisiana Legislature. He discusses flood and crime policy; campaign culture in 2026; and what committees and bills interest him in the ongoing regular session. Plus, we start this episode with an audio blast from the past courtesy of Earl K. Long during what was his final campaign for elected office. Want to hear what Uncle Earl has to say about telling the truth? Then this is your episode!

Recorded in April 2017 for the second season of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, this episode from the archives features Congressman Clay Higgins. This was back when Higgins was arguably the least-known member of Louisiana's congressional delegation, fresh off of an unexpected election victory. In this episode, you'll get some car-buying tips from Higgins, who used to manage a car dealership. He also shared his experiences in law enforcement and the challenges police face with post-traumatic stress syndrome — and how it should be a bigger policy focus. Plus, we kick off the episode with a look back at the assassination of Huey Long and the questions still lingering about Dr. Carl Weiss.

Recorded in September 2016 for the first season of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, this episode from the archives features Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Member Lance Harris. Serving then as the state House GOP chair, Harris discussed legislative politics of the day and offered up some surprising words for then-Gov. John Bel Edwards. You'll also hear Harris throwing back a beer at LaPolitics HQ while chatting about art, wine, love, Mardi Gras, RVs, convenience stores and piano lessons. Plus, this episode kicks off with an audio clip recorded 44 years ago of late Gov. Jimmie Davis and consultant Gus Weill explaining the best ways to get a horse inside the State Capitol building. (You have to hear it to believe it.) As a bit of lagniappe, you'll likewise learn LaPolitics' "Top 10 Don'ts of Political Campaigning." Well... you'll at least get the first five.

House Ways and Means Chair Tony Bacala opens up this eighth season of the LaPolitics Report podcast with an overview of the regular session, tales from a life in law enforcement and an explanation for why his committee is known as "Ways to be Mean." Plus, we kick off this 80th episode of the pod with audio from yesteryear — a quote from late Gov. Edwin Edwards involving integrity, his mother and knowing what the truth really means.

On this episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, Davante Lewis talks about being the youngest member of the Public Service Commission and one of the highest ranking Democrats in Louisiana. How did he pull off a surprising win against a seasoned incumbent? What are the biggest challenges for an upstart politician? Is elected office worth it at the end of the day? Lewis discusses all of these topics, plus more! We also kick off this episode with a blast from our political past, via a must-hear interview excerpt featuring late Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain discusses his unique route to elected office, how the regular session treated his department and what his own political future might look like. For our regular dose of political history, we also hear from a former statewide elected office who used his retirement speech to launch a new consulting company...

On the LaPolitics Report Podcast microphone is former Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Fred Mills. He'll keep you laughing in this episode that was recorded in October 2016 as he doles out lessons on marketing, medicine and Marcel Proust. The chairman also spent some time presenting a roadmap for health care policy in Louisiana and talking about his childhood as a mayor's kid. But it's the questions — yanked from the Proust Questionnaire — he fields at the end of the interview that offer a real glimpse into Mills' personality.Also in this episode:— A rendition of the legendary “Whiskey Speech,” read by author John Grisham. It's a winding bit oratory that was written in the 1950s by late Mississippi senator and judge Soggy Sweat, who then used it on the campaign trail. — An entry into the LaPolitics' series "Going Negative." This week it's all about the Seven Golden Rules.

Baton Rouge pollster Bernie Pinsonat discusses the Independent Party and offers four tips for evaluating a poll in this episode that was recorded in January 2017. We also hear a little bit about Pinsonat’s background, his upbringing in Livonia and his time working for former U.S. Sen. J. Bennett Johnston. To kick it all off, however, we dip into the audio archives to listen to former state Sen. Robert Adley roasting late Gov. Edwin Edwards.

Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris is the latest guest on the LaPolitics Report Podcast. From what path he followed into Capitol politics to how he discovered the power of associations, Morris offers a roadmap for anyone interested in government relations. With an eye to association management, the longtime Realtors CEO discusses counting votes, tracking bills and working with governors. He also touches on the ongoing regular session, which federal issues have his membership concerned and what to expect out of the real estate market in coming years. Plus, we turn the dial back for our regular history feature to revisit that time a Louisiana governor was rained on (literally) during his inauguration. Think you know who it was?

Republicans are roughly a year or less away from capturing a plurality in Louisiana's voter registration, pollster John Couvillon said in the latest episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast. "The bigger picture, which is also worth communicating to you, is the Democratic plurality in voter registration is steadily shrinking," said Couvillon, founder and president of JMC Analytics & Polling. He added, "I think later this year and/or early next year you will have a Republican plurality in our state. And that actually is already the case in many rural parishes." Couvillon also discussed the approaching fall ballot and the hot races brewing in New Orleans; what the next round of redistricting could hold for the Bayou State; and his real feelings about the convergence of artificial intelligence and polling. Plus, we turn the dial back for our regular history feature to revisit that time a Louisiana governor was sprung from prison. Think you know who it was? Listen now!

How does the Legislative Communications Office operate? What's up with the new studio inside the Capitol? Why were security protocols updated again for the regular session?For answers to all of these questions —and much more — Meg Casper Sunstrom, the chief communications officer for the Louisiana Legislature, joins us for Episode 75 of the LaPolitics Report Podcast.A former journalist who has worked her way through the ranks of state government, Sunstrom discusses the difference in outreach between the House and Senate; how best to track the regular session; and what's next for her office.Plus, we hear from the late, great Gov. Earl Kemp Long on why Louisiana is better at taxing its citizenry than Texas.

Recorded in September 2016, from Episode 2 of our very first season, New Orleans Councilman (then-Rev and Fist Chair) J.P. Morrell sat down for a conversation that may have focused a little too much on comic books and tennis shoes. But that doesn’t come up until the end of the show. Before that, it’s a quick run through the world of New Orleans politics and a deep dive into in the Louisiana Legislature of yesteryear. What is it like being the only child of a political family? How does the business lobby really operate? He answered all of these questions, plus much more… Like why folks may have to start calling Rick Ward Spider-Man and Helena Moreno Wonder Woman. We also went back in time with an audio clip from the 1960 congressional campaign of Earl Long.

Recorded in March 2017, this episode (Episode 22 from Season 4) features Louisiana AFL-CIO president Louis Reine reflecting on his youth in Baton Rouge, from growing up in a small business to slowly making his way into the ranks of organized labor. He also offered an overview of what unions do, their biggest political challenges and the policy milestones that have influenced the way they operate. Plus, we kicked off this episode with the campaign song from the 1971 gubernatorial campaign of John G. Schwegmann. We even chat a bit about those grocery bags...

In the first episode from Season 7, LABI President Will Green explains the quick pace of the ongoing regular session and what it means in terms of policy proposals to watch. Plus, a deep dive on the expected realignment of the state Transportation Department and the litany of insurance bills on deck for lawmakers. As for our regular history segment, listen closely for an excerpt from Huey Long's "High Popalorum/Low Popahirum” speech and some exhibit highlights from the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield.

Recorded in November 2016, this episode spotlighted then-Congressman Ralph Abraham (now the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health) discussing his life in a small town as both a physician and veterinarian. While it may sound sleepy, Abraham's travels have brought him everywhere from the Amazon to Haiti as a mountain climber, pilot and leader on mission trips. We also kicked off this episode with a blast from our political past featuring late Gov. John McKeithen. In a television interview from yesteryear, you’ll hear McKeithen explain the real politics from one of his most memorable endorsements.

Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson III drops into the studio to explain the differences between a police jury form of government and home rule. Plus, everything you ever wanted to know about local politics but were too afraid to ask.

In the second part of this series on consultants, the minds behind Robinson+Kennedy, political consultant Preston Robinson and media consultant George Kennedy, dive deep into the creative process. How do campaign ads come together? How do multi-member firms agree on things like messaging? They have the answers...

This week's audio haul leads off with a special episode (appearing out of chronological order for your political needs) featuring State Rep. Neil Riser, the former chair of the Senate and Revenue Fiscal Affairs Committee. Riser was asked to come on the LaPolitics Report podcast to discuss Gov. Jeff Landry's tax agenda for the upcoming November special session. And that he did, offering a historical take on why the Executive and Legislative branches are facing the challenges they are, from former Govs. Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards to the current term of state government. From a political perspective, Riser said the heaviest lift will be convincing lawmakers, special interests and the public that a multi-bill package and enormous constitutional amendment should be considered as a whole, rather than in parts. "In my opinion, from my seat, if you vote against one of those components, then you're voting against lowering the personal income tax and the corporate," Riser said in episode No. 72. Before dipping into tax matters, however, Riser spent a bit of time talking about late President Teddy Roosevelt, his roughest hunts and why he sometimes prefers sleeping outside on the ground. He also reflected on his family's 90-year-old funeral business and his upbringing in the logging industry.

Appearing in episode No. 70, Mary-Patricia Wray of Top Drawer Strategies kicks off a two-part series on consultants.

Will the recent storm on the East Coast impact our insurance market? Will there be a special session on insurance? Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple weighs in on all of it, and a lot more. Plus, we kick off this episode with one of Huey Long's most unforgettable speeches.

How do married couples in politics make it all work? Rep. Troy Hebert and his wife, Kristie Hebert, the first woman chair of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association Board. Plus, we kick off this episode with words of marital wisdom from Louisiana's own odd power couple: James Carville and Mary Matalin.

In this week's archived episode of the LaPolitics Report podcast, we take a deep dive into the beating heart of any successful political infrastructure: fundraising, the mother’s milk of elections. Recorded in May of 2017, this episode features Sally Nungesser of Nungesser Consulting. She has raised money for a long list of politicians, including but not limited to former President George W. Bush, U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, Congressman Clay Higgins and former New York Governor George Pataki.

A fourth-time delegate to the Republican National Convention this week, state Rep. Mike Bayham is the guest for episode 67 of the LaPolitics Report podcast. While he's backing former President Donald Trump this go around, Bayham on three other occasions sought to back candidates who weren't the front-runners. "Oh, we got a lot of pressure," Bayham said, reflecting on various efforts for him and others to switch sides in previous conventions. This week, however, he and the rest of Louisiana's delegation will support Trump across the board. "Absolutely," he said when asked. Bayham also covered the basics for this week, from how delegates were selected to exactly how much money it costs to be part of a party convention. "It's completely out of pocket," he said. "They charge you for everything. It's extremely expensive." While Trump's nomination won't be a surprise, delegates are expected to vote on a new GOP platform, which includes tweaking long-held stances on a federal abortion ban and other issues. Bayham said he anticipated the changes while watching "Trump trying to shift a little bit off" of traditional GOP messaging on these topics. Plus, in our regular history segment, we hear the 1976 "Challenge" speech delivered by Ronald Reagan at that year's Republican National Convention. Bayham also turned an eye to local politics of yesteryear and shared his own memories of two late elected officials that defined his St. Bernard Parish, state Sen. Lynn Dean and Parish President Junior Rodriguez.

Will Congressman Garret Graves, who is not seeking re-election this fall, run for the Public Service Commission? That question gets answered on the new episode of the LaPolitics Report podcast. Graves also discussed his first race for elected office against the late Gov. Edwin Washington Edwards, and revealed the meetings that led to his decision to not run against Gov. Jeff Landry last year.

Recorded in September 2016, this LaPolitics Report podcast features a sometimes comical conversation with USA Today Network of Louisiana reporter Greg Hilburn about politics and family. There have been many changes to journalism since Hilburn first started as a scribe, covering sports at times, and we discuss all of that as well. You definitely won't want to miss what he has to say about going through the adoption process for his twin daughters. Is social media changing journalism for the better? What was it like covering the 2015 gubernatorial election cycle? What did he learn about reporting from his father, a storied figure on his own? Hilburn answered all of these questions, plus much more! We also went back in time with an audio clip from the political comeback of late Gov. Edwin Edwards. You're sure to get a good laugh out of this one!

Recorded in November 2016, this interview with former Associated Press Capitol Bureau Chief Melinda Deslatte features a serious conversation about the evolution of political journalism in Louisiana and what the future might hold for her trade. Now with the Public Affairs Research Council, Deslatte dished up some keen insights on the legislative process, which wasn't surprising — due partly to term limits and largely to her skillset, Deslatte has quickly become one of the building's best sources of institutional knowledge. Plus, this episode takes a look back at former Gov. Kathleen Blanco and we hear some inspiring words from the woman herself.

Alfred "Butch" Speer, a member of the state Ethics Board and the former clerk of the House of Representatives, has survived constitutional conventions and more than one round of redistricting. He's also forgotten more about regular sessions than most of us will ever learn. Recorded in February 2015, this episode features a terrific overview of how Speer landed one of the Legislature’s most high-profile gigs.

This latest episode arrives in May 2024, the 10th anniversary of the passing of LaPolitics founder John Maginnis. In addition to writing a couple of valuable books on Louisiana politics, and creating the state's most popular trade publication for politicos, Maginnis produced a DVD set called "How to Get Elected." The guest for this episode, consultant Jason Hebert of the Political Firm, was among the voices used by Maginnis for that DVD set and he shares some memories from the project. Staying on theme, Hebert also gives his tips for how to get elected, from making the initial decision and raising money to being a candidate.

This is it! The very first episode of the LaPolitics Report podcast, featuring John Alario, one of only three American politicians to have served as both a House speaker and Senate president in the same state Legislature. Recorded in August 2016, Alario opened up about what he considered then to be his future in politics and his greatest regret at the Capitol. He also discussed the role of Donald Trump's politics in Louisiana and dished on the art of revenge. Plus, enjoy our regular blast-from-the-past audio file profiling Edgar "Sonny" Mouton, who ran for governor in 1979. Mouton's bid fell short, but left behind some of the funniest oratory of the cycle — and the 1970s.

Recorded in October 2016 during season two of the LaPolitics Report podcast, this episode features Commissioner of Administration (and then-state House Speaker) Taylor Barras. He explained how he learned about politics in a grocery store, via the family business growing up, and told us what it was like using Huey Long's old desk. You'll even hear why Huey had special switches installed under that desk as well! In our usual time-capsule segment, we drop in on the House floor for the final night of the 1979 regular session. You'll love this audio! It includes Billy Tauzin's rendition of Edgar Allan Poe's most well-known work and Bubba Henry's imitation of Earl Long. Plus, join in for a quick review of a list of Louisiana's 10 most influential elections, as compiled by author Errol Laborde of New Orleans magazine.

Episode 64 features Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who focuses most of his interview on this year's proposed constitutional convention. He offers his take on the Senate's perceived opposition and answers a question about what role (if any) former President Donald Trump could play in a potential ratification vote. Landry also reflects on his earliest memories of politics in Acadiana and offers some concluding words on the challenges involved with public records laws — as he sees them.

Recorded in December 2016, this opening to the third season of the LaPolitics Report featured Liz Mangham, a founding member of Southern Strategy Group’s Louisiana office. She discussed the lobbying trade in the Bayou State, her paintings and what it was like working on Kathleen Blanco’s successful run for governor. A fierce defender of the governmental relations practice, she said she believes "on any given day, each citizen of Louisiana is represented by multiple professionals working on their behalf." While she doesn't gloss over the importance of having a book of business at the Capitol, Mangham explained what's involved in managing various issues at the local level, including city councils, police juries and school boards. (This episode also opens up with an audio blast-from-the-past courtesy of retired Chief Justice Kitty Kimball.)

Recorded in August 2016, this episode features Randy Haynie, a well-known lobbyist around the Capitol and the former president of the National Association of State Lobbyists. Haynie took us through the days when lobbyists weren't even required to register with the state, up through modern reporting requirements. He spoke about public perceptions, the different kinds of lobbyists you’ll find at the Capitol and some of the most common professional mistakes made in that building. Haynie discussed the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, and talked about his own display there. Plus, he explained how he ended up voting several times— and then hurriedly changing those votes — while working on the Senate floor as a young sergeant-at-arms. If you’re looking for your usual dose of Louisiana political history, this is the episode for you! In addition to Haynie’s personal collection of stories, which is vast, we kicked off this episode with an audio sampling of Puggy Moity, whose stranger-than-fiction story has partly been lost to history. If you’ve never heard of Puggy, you’re in for a treat. He was a professional ballot spoiler in the 1960s and 1970s who sometimes ran for more than one office at a time. He purchased 30-minute blocks of late-night TV for what amounted to political infomercials and wild and loose rants.

One of the most storied names in Louisiana politics — Cleo Fields — is the guest for Episode 63 of the LaPolitics Report podcast. A former and current member of the Louisiana Legislature's upper chamber, Fields is the chair of the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee. That's the panel that drafted Louisiana's new Black-majority congressional district, which Fields intends to run for this fall. He discusses his humble upbringing in Port Allen, having a judge for a brother and the mom that raised them both. Plus, Fields weighs in on the proposed constitutional convention and his relationships with late Gov. Edwin Edwards and current Gov. Jeff Landry.

To followup on a series of tax-related episodes, we brought in Jason DeCuir, who formerly served as chief of staff, assistant secretary and executive counsel at the Louisiana Department of Revenue. DeCuir is the co-owner and partner of Advantous Consulting and the founding partner of Advantous Law. From gubernatorial appointments and department-level hires to the 2025 session and the approaching fiscal cliff, DeCuir covered quite a bit of ground in Episode 62. The show also opens with a special recording of "Every Man a King."

This April 2017 interview with Francis Thompson (then a state senator, now a representative again) was one of the longest we've recorded, and rightfully so. Thompson is Louisiana's longest serving lawmaker — and he has much to impart. In this unmissable episode, Thompson shares some terrific stories about his very first day in the state House in 1975, the sometimes harsh politics of late Gov. Edwin Edwards and how sideways the social structure of the Capitol has become in the 21st Century. As is always the case, we kicked off this episode by focusing on our shared political history with a few memories from Cokie Roberts. She discussed what it was like being the child of two members of Congress — and how tearing down campaign signs of her parents’ opponents was part of her upbringing!

Like every episode, No. 61 opens with an audio blast from the past in the form of a 1935 Universal Newsreel on a topic near and dear to Louisiana politics. After weighing in on our regular history feature, Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Chairman Franklin Foil dives into a winding interview that culminates with news on the proposed constitutional convention. A member of Gov. Jeff Landry’s constitutional transition council, Foil talks about the enabling legislation, delegate format, article specifics and the required ratification vote. Foil also touches on the ongoing regular session, next year’s fiscal session and his personal path to public service through the U.S. Navy.

Recorded in January 2017, this show from the LaPolitics archives (episode 17 from season one) featured E.L. "Bubba" Henry, the former House speaker and Young Turks member who chaired the 1973 Constitutional Convention in Louisiana. Bubba discussed what life was like on the House floor during the late 1960s and 1970s, and he shared what he learned from running for governor. Does Louisiana need another constitutional convention? What was it really like to be commissioner of administration? Bubba dished on all of this, and much more. Plus, this episode kicked off with a blast-from-the-past audio clip from another Young Turk, the late John Hainkel (a former House speaker and Senate president), whose words helped frame this lively episode. [Editor's note: This episode was recorded prior to the release of "The Last Constitution," and actually served as the inspiration for the book to come.]

The tax breaks enjoyed by business and industry will once again be under review by lawmakers soon, House Ways and Means Chairwoman Julie Emerson said on the latest episode of the LaPolitics Report podcast. She also discusses where her family tree intersects with public service and offers an overview of the next two year’s worth of regular sessions. Plus, we dive into the special connection shared between a legendary blues artist and a Louisiana governor!

Recorded in November 2016, during his first term, former Gov. John Bel Edwards reflected on a gubernatorial hunting trip that ended with him taking an elk from 260 yards away in the snow, from one edge of a canyon to another. Edwards also discussed structural budget challenges and the difficulty of getting Republicans to support taxes. Plus, this episode opens with a history feature focusing on late U.S. Sen. Russell Long, who explains in his own voice why the definition of "a statesman is a dead politician."

To kickoff season five of The LaPolitics Report podcast, Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson dives into his background in the intelligence community and explains what it was like to be struck by lightening. In between, Nelson also uses this special relaunch episode to adjust odds on the income tax elimination effort and outline the top policy proposals to watch in next year's fiscal session. This episode was underwritten by Advantous Consulting and Louisiana Farm Bureau.

Recorded in March 2017, this episode of The LaPolitics Report podcast featured late Gov. Edwin Edwards, who enjoyed one of the longest terms of any American governor. He discussed everything from gambling and romance to his past elections and biggest fears. (Make sure you listen for that at the end of the interview.) Other topics included lessons learned from a life in politics, thoughts about his time in federal prison and reflections on books that have been written about his career.