Tuesday’s election changed the balance of power in Washington, with Republicans gaining control of the Senate and maintaining their majority in the House of Representatives.
In addition, Louisiana residents voted on amendments to the state constitution. Here, Wayne Parent, chair of the University’s political science department, answers a few questions about the election.
There will be a runoff for the U.S. Senate seat between Democrat Mary Landrieu and Republican Suzanne Haik-Terrell. What happens in the meantime?
“The two parties have to decide how much they want this seat,” Parent said.
The Republicans now control the Senate, but they would have an insurance seat if Terrell were elected. Parent said students should expect lots of campaign ads from both candidates and more money donated to both campaigns.
In addition, Louisiana could receive visits from national Republican party members, such as President George Bush and his Democratic counterparts. Landrieu retains her Senate seat at least until January.
The Republicans now control both the Senate and the House of Representatives. With a Republican president as well, what does this mean for the country?
“This is the first time since the 1960s that Republicans have had complete control of both chambers [of Congress] and the presidency,” Parent said.
With the Republicans now in control of the entire national government, Parent said Republican issues probably will come to the forefront. “Republicans tend to be more pro-business, so we might see issues concerning that,” Parent said.
On the international front, Parent said the president can basically do what he wants in Iraq.
Constitutional Amendment 2, the Stelly Plan, passed by a very slim margin. What does this mean for Louisiana residents?
“The Stelly Plan lessens dependence on the sales tax, which helps Louisiana look more like the rest of the nation as far as tax codes,” Parent said.
Louisiana residents will pay less sales tax but more income tax.
“Eighty percent of the population will pay overall less taxes,” Parent said.
The Chancellor sent broadcast e-mails to students last week explaining Amendments 3 and 8. Amendment 3 passed, but Amendment 8 did not. What implications does this have?
“Before Amendment 3 was passed, education and health care could easily be cut. The passage of [Amendment] 3 allows the Legislature more flexibility to cut other areas,” Parent said.
Higher education no longer will be one of the first areas hit in the event of a budget crisis. In addition, budget cuts such as the ones that occurred last spring at the University probably will occur less often.
“Amendment 8 allowed LSU more flexibility in investments,” Parent said.
Without the passage of the amendment, the University will not be able to invest funds as freely as they would have been able to had the amendment passed.