Who will likely fill Dupre’s seat?

State Sen. Reggie Dupre of Houma said he would submit an irrevocable letter resigning his Senate seat effective July 1 if he is offered the position as director of the Terrebonne Levee District.

Dupre said he would have to come to terms with the levee district board before accepting the position.

Fourteen people applied for the directorship by the March 25 deadline.

The position has been held on an interim basis by South Lafourche Levee District General Manager Windell Curole.

Dupre, who is term limited out in 2011, would submit the resignation before the state Legislature meets for the 2009 session, taking over as director of the Terrebonne Levee District on July 1.

Dupre’s empty Senate seat would be filled by a Senate president appointment until an election is held, possibly in September.

“I asked the Senate secretary,” Dupre said. “He said I could submit an irrevocable letter of resignation for a future date. I will not wait the day before to resign. I’d send a letter to the Senate secretary.”

He said he would resign early so that plans could be made to succeed him and preparations for the election could be conducted.

According to Dupre, the only possible complication could arise if the move is seen as a violation of the prohibition on dual office holding.

State Rep. Damon Baldone of Houma has said he will seek Dupre’s Senate seat if he resigns. Baldone would run for the Senate post in 2011 if Dupre keeps the position until being limited out.

Baldone has been a representative for eight years and is term limited in 2012.

Terrebonne Parish Councilman Clayton Voisin, who is serving his third term on the council, also said he is considering running for Dupre’s Senate seat.