Much attention has been paid to the Governor’s race, but who will become the proverbial “one heartbeat away” from Louisiana’s chief executive?
Republican Billy Nungesser and Democrat Kip Holden are the runoff contenders for the job, which duties focus primarily on tourism. Monday, at the Baton Rouge Press Club, each was asked about his goals for the first term, if elected.
Nungesser said he’ll focus on, “Putting a plan together to restore our historical sites, our museums, and growing tourism ten percent a year over the next four years, creating thousands of jobs and economic growth.”
Holden has a different take on the job’s responsibilities.
“We are in a position to make a difference in the quality of life for a lot of people and for a lot of kids; making sure that we have quality education for children, at the same time making sure we have the jobs here,” Holden said. “Because there are a lot of people who are still unemployed, and those individuals need help, as well.”
Asked what he’d tackle first, Holden said, “First priority will be to go to as many cities as I possibly can, them telling me what they’d like to see in their cities and small towns.”
But Nungesser believes, “First thing we’ve got to do is put together a plan for the special session.”
In light of yet another state budget shortfall, both were asked how they’d handle having their budget raided to pay for special events, such as national playoff games or music festivals. Holden says he would fight.
“Unless you get up and fight for that department, it will continue to be raided.”
Nungesser, too, said he would not roll over and play dead.
“When they pull that money out for a special event, it hurts tourism around the whole state. It cripples our ability to work with our plan to promote Louisiana to the country and the world. I’ll be yellin’ and screamin’ until that ends.”
The runoff election is tomorrow.