Wife’s illness, Katrina cited as reasons

By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

LAPLACE — St. John Parish President Nickie Monica’s on-and-off campaign for Congress is officially off – at least this time around.

In the meantime until the next Congressional election cycle, he hopes to be elected in fall 2007 to the Louisiana Legislature, succeeding Rep. Bobby Faucheux, who cannot run for re-election due to term limits.

Monica issued a press statement Wednesday and affirmed he will not be a candidate this fall for the U.S. Congressional seat held by Rep. Charles Melancon &#8220in this election cycle.”

Monica gave two reasons for his withdrawal from the race, the most important being the illness of his wife, Dawn. She was diagnosed with Krohn’s disease 10 years ago and earlier this year underwent hospitalization from a flare-up. More procedures have followed, and another is set this fall, according to Monica.

&#8220The number one priority in my life is my family and the time I spent with Dawn during her illness made me realize that this was not the time for a campaign,” Monica said. &#8220She will require another hospitalization just before the fall elections, and I will be at her side every step of the say to ensure her full recovery.”

The other major reason for Monica’s withdrawal is the disruption of the electorate in the Third Congressional District due to Hurricane Katrina.

&#8220Thousands of voters in the south and southeastern part of the district, my base, have been displaced,” Monica said. &#8220A great deal of support that I would have counted on in this election is just not there.”

Craig Romero, an announced opponent in that Congressional race, issued a statement in which he said, &#8220I appreciate the fact that Nickie is focused on his family during a difficult time. My wife, Pamela, and I have sent our thoughts and prayers to both Nickie and Dawn. Nickie Monica is a leader in St. John and he would make an excellent state representative for the entire region in Baton Rouge.”

Meanwhile, Monica said he has been encouraged by friends and supporters to instead campaign in 2007 for the 57th Representative District seat now held by Bobby Faucheux. &#8220We will kick off t hings very soon and stage another hard-working, untiring and clean Nickie Monica campaign,” Monica stated.

And he has not ruled out running for Congress down the road. &#8220Just not this election cycle,” Monica said.