Former Louisiana Gov. Charles “Buddy” Roemer announced his plans Thursday afternoon to form an exploratory committee in hopes to obtain a bid for the Republican presidential nomination.
Roemer said at a news conference at Business First Bank on Jefferson Highway that he wants to “challenge the current system of money and politics.” He said he is not a “smooth politician,” but a reformer.
Roemer said the current system institution is corrupt.
“Washington, D.C., is a boomtown, and the rest of America is hurting,” Roemer said.
Roemer said he wants a president “free to lead” and to make America energy independent in this decade, honor small business, balance the budget and attack the nation’s debt.
Roemer said he will not accept more than $100 in donations to the campaign. He started with $50,000 of his own money and has spent around $3,000 to $4,000.
“I will accept voluntary contributions of $100 and not a penny more,” Roemer said.
Roemer said he will not accept special interest money.
He said now is not the time to have money determining a candidate’s chances. He said he will be on the campaign trail, but he will also rely on Internet support through his website.
Roemer said he has already received a few contributions to the campaign and has received a large number of voice mails, e-mails and tweets in the past 24 hours.
Roemer also said Sen. John McCain has been helpful thus far in the process, and he plans to call Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, who is an “old friend.”
Roemer is currently the president and CEO of Business First Bank. He served one term as Louisiana governor and multiple terms as a congressman.
Roemer said while he has been out of politics for 20 years, he has aided others in their campaigns.
 
 
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Contact Celeste Ansley at [email protected]