Dist. 20 election taking shape

Two candidates have announced their intention of running for state Sen. Reggie Dupre’s soon-to-be-vacant seat, which represents parts of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

Dupre resigned, effective July 1, to become director of the Terrebonne Levee District.

State Rep. Damon Baldone, 44, of Houma and Norbert Chabert, son of former state Sen. Leonard Chabert, will try to succeed Dupre, who would have been term-limited out of his seat within three years.

A special primary election has been called for Saturday, Aug. 1. If necessary, a runoff would be held on Saturday, Aug. 29.

A lawyer, Baldone was elected state representative in 2001. He currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and is vice chair of the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee.

Baldone has also been a member of the House Commerce Committee and serves on the Governor’s DWI Task Force. He has sponsored several bills toughening drunk driving laws.

Baldone’s candidate announcement states that the Ways and Means Committee cut billions in taxes while he has been a member.

He has served on the Bayou Lafourche Freshwater Diversion Committee, overseeing the diversion of fresh Mississippi River water to the Barataria/Terrebonne estuaries, and touts his support for coastal restoration during his time in the House.

In addition, Baldone stated that he has supported Chabert Medical Center and helped to bring higher education funding in the state to the southern average.

“Norby” Chabert, 33, resigned his position in the marketing department at Nicholls State University as part of his run for the Senate. His spokeswoman Katrina McDonald said Chabert is not allowed to hold both state positions at the same time.

In his campaign statement, Chabert appealed to potential younger voters.

“Our time is now,” he stated. “We are a generation of successful lawyers, doctors, business owners and teachers. We have had opportunities, but we never left the bayou and there is a reason for that. We love our homes, and we have a chance to save the place that we love, but if we don’t take a stand now, we will be forced to leave.”

McDonald said during his campaign Chabert will emphasize hurricane protection, levee construction, coastal restoration using dredged material, higher education and promoting tourism.

Chabert also stated he will fight to keep funding flowing to his father’s namesake institution, Chabert Medical Center.