La.’s new look depends on Legislature come March

When the Louisiana Legislature convenes in March to consider re-drawing the state’s political district lines, Congressmen Jeff Landry of New Iberia and Charles Boustany of Lafayette will be more than interested observers.

It will be the first time in state history that legislators will have called themselves into special session and when the dust finally settles, Louisiana will have one less congressional district. Landry and Boustany, both Republicans, could find themselves pitted against each other n and any Democratic candidate who might be interested, as well n for what potentially could be the only remaining seat along Louisiana’s coast.

In November, Landry was elected to his first term of office, succeeding Charlie Melancon, while Boustany was unopposed for his fourth term.

State Rep. Rick Gallot (D-Ruston), chairman of the House and Governmental Affairs Committee that will deal with redistricting, announced earlier this week that lawmakers have already gathered sufficient petition signatures to call their own special session instead of leaving it for the governor to do so.

Gallot said the decision was not a reflection on Gov. Bobby Jindal or anyone else. Instead, he said it is a function of the legislature. He said the session will begin on March 20 and could last until April 13. The special session is mandated by law to redraw congressional, legislative, Public Service Commission, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Louisiana Supreme Court, and certain other judicial district.

Reapportionment is necessitated by the release of the 2010 census data and all re-drawn districts must be approved by the U.S. Justice Department before they can be used in the 2011 elections. Election for all state offices, from governor to legislature, will be held in the fall of 2011.

Currently, there are two plans being floated for congressional districts. One would combine Districts 3 and 7, which comprise all the state’s coastal parishes. That plan would impact the political futures of Landry and Boustany. Gallot said some coastal legislators are suggesting that scenario because the parishes share many issues, such as hurricane protection and coastal erosion.

The second plan would merge Districts 4 and 5 into a single district. That would throw Monroe and Shreveport into the same congressional district.

Even as they work to re-work congressional district lines, lawmakers also must contend with re-shaping the state’s legislative districts, an undertaking that is sure to spark controversy as well as provide good entertainment for political junkies.

For a few weeks, at least, the special reapportioning session will have one positive effect. The contentiousness that is certain to boil over onto the floor of the House and Senate will almost certainly distract lawmakers from the looming $1.6 billion budget deficit facing the state.

That respite, however, will be short-lived. The regular session opens on April 23 and legislators will get a harsh dose of fiscal reality as they wrestle with trying to find a way to raise revenue in an election year. It has all the makings of the perfect political storm.