By LEONARD GRAY

DESTREHAN – St. Charles Parish Council member Darnell “Dee” Abadie made it official this week – she plans to run for parish president in the 2003 election.

“I’m just ready,” she said. “I thought I would serve on the council four, eight years, make a difference and then get out.”

But, she said she was approached by friends to make the jump for the presidential race and fund-raising efforts recently commenced.

The wife of Randall Abadie of Destrehan, Dee Abadie ran for parish council in 1995 and lost to Ron Phillips after a strong showing. She was appointed to the council seat following the resignation of Phillips in 1999 and was elected to the position without opposition later that same year.

Her informal announcement came with little preamble at the June 11 meeting of the St. Charles Parish Republican Executive Committee, during discussions. The announcement was without elaboration and she did not ask for any endorsement.

Executive Committee Chairman Bob Monti said he was surprised at Abadie’s announcement and, asked his opinion of her chances to be elected the parish’s first female and first Republican chief executive, responded, “All Republicans, we hope, have a shot.”

The announcement came during discussions over endorsements by the committee of candidates in the 2003 elections. A resolution was pushed through by Monti to automatically endorse every Republican incumbent.

However, fellow committee member Tim Lambert unsuccessfully opposed the move, claiming any incumbent Democrat could switch parties just prior to qualifying and pick up the automatic Republican endorsement.

Abadie has long criticized the administration of Parish President Albert Laque.

“I think this is the worst council I’ve ever seen,” Abadie said. “I’m ashamed of the money we’ve wasted and the things we’ve done. Tell Mr. Laque to get ready to start debating.”

Abadie commented.