A roll call of prominent Louisiana Democrats took to the ballroom stage of the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center yesterday to stump for Sen. Mary Landrieu, 14 days out from a tough re-election battle. The laundry list of appearances led up to former president Bill Clinton, fresh off campaigning for Democratic candidates in Arkansas last week.
“I’m fixing to make an argument,” Clinton said, gazing out at the charmed audience. “But it won’t amount to a hill of beans if you don’t show up.”
The former president said Republicans’ efforts to get-out-the-vote relied on retribution for President Barack Obama’s election.
“‘You’ve got one more chance to vote against him.’ That is the argument against Mary Landrieu,” Clinton said.
Clinton also addressed policy issues like the Islamic State group, the spread of Ebola and minimum wage.
“We are now poised to create a future for Louisiana and the United States,” Clinton said. “You cannot afford to vote for what you’re against. You have to vote for what you’re for.”
State Sen. Sharon Weston Broome was the first Democrat to storm the stage, kicking off the rally at 2 p.m. The president pro tempore of the state senate lauded Landrieu’s status as the only woman who holds statewide office and spoke of her efforts to combat domestic violence and promote equal pay.
Broome’s remarks to rally female voters were the first of many throughout the event.
“I’m here to introduce you to one of Louisiana’s greatest women,” said state Rep. Walt Leger.
Leger took jabs at Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La) who he said “voted against aid for Louisiana” after Hurricane Isaac.
Leger also called out Sen. John McCain, who participated in a series of veteran’s rallies last week with Cassidy.
According to Leger, “[McCain] said no to us in our darkest time” when he voted against federal aid to Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina.
State Rep. John Bel Edwards followed Leger, state Rep. Patricia Smith and state Rep. Edward “Ted” James. The 2015 gubernatorial candidate landed blows on Cassidy.
“I know the difference between a talker like Cassidy and a doer like Mary,” Edwards said.
U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond introduced Landrieu, but not before attacking his fellow House member Cassidy.
“I work in Washington. I get to see both of them,” Richmond said. “Most members don’t even know his name.”
When Landrieu reached the podium, she again called out Cassidy for not supporting federal aid to Louisiana following Hurricane Isaac.
“He is doing things to hurt us in Washington, not help us. So let’s do a little something to hurt him at the polls,” Landrieu said.
Landrieu also touted her role as chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and warned if Cassidy was elected Louisiana would lose a valuable position in Congress.
“He’s not even going to get on the committee ladies and gentlemen,” Landrieu said.

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Sam Karlin

Former President Bill Clinton speaks at a campaign rally for incumbent Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-L.a.) in Baton Rouge on Monday.