Vitter, Jindal backing Romero over Melancon for Congress seat

In the shadow of the Terrebonne Parish Court-house Saturday U.S. Congressional candidate Craig Romero received hearty endorsements from Sen. David Vitter, R-Metairie, and Rep. Bobby Jindal, R-Kenner.

Romero will be running for the 3rd Congressional District against incumbent Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, along with Libertarian James Lee Blake Jr. of Franklin and LaPlace Democrat Olangee Breech.

Vitter and Jindal claim Romero the stronger candidate on two foremost issues, coastal restoration and preservation of conservative Louisiana values in the House.

“I am absolutely convinced that we need Craig in our congressional delegation particularly in these very challenging times. When it comes to coastal restoration, hurricane protection, a full recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita and Craig is the right man for the job,” said Vitter.

Romero served as parish president of Iberia, cleaning up after hurricane Andrew and has been pushing for South Louisiana recovery in Baton Rouge.

“He has a wealth of experience and knowledge going from his service in the state senate on the key committee in regard to coastal restoration to his service from parish president actually recovering from a major hurricane, doing the real nuts and bolts work, getting his hands dirty. He has that knowledge and experience that we need,” the senator said.

Voicing a need for immediate change, Vitter challenged Melancon’s representation in Washington.

“[Romero] will bring conservative Louisiana values to the US Congress. His opponent says he will share those values as well but I think the record is very clear that he doesn’t,” said Vitter.

If elected, the first vote Romero would cast is for election of Speaker of the House, which would determine party influence.

Vitter said that Melancon has indicated he would vote Nancy Pelosi, D-Cal; something Romero would not, in conflict with conservative values.

“Nancy Pelosi would take a hard far left and lead us down the wrong path,” said Vitter.

Other issues Romero is focused on includes tax cuts, abortion, immigration laws, gun right and the war on terror.

“Were are in the middle of a very important struggle right now, a war on terrorism and this is not a short term struggle…for our way of life.

I know that Craig understands that struggle and is a strong, strong supporter for the war on terror,” said Jindal.

The congressman said he attests for Romero’s strong leadership, having known each other for over 10 years after working together when Jindal was the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.

“Craig will be a strong fighter just as he has been at the parish level, and just as he has been in Baton Rouge. He will be a strong fighter in Washington,” said Jindal.

Romero said he is ready to get to work in Washington but does admit that the work starts now for him, electing himself first. Running against an incumbent like Melancon requires extra pervasiveness, he said. “I’ve got to do the footwork. I’ve got to elect Craig Romero.”

Andrea Carlson can be reached at (985) 876-3008 or andrea@tri-parishtimes.com.