Louisiana has long been on the outside row in the arena of congressional politics.
Now it appears the road to compromise may lead straight through the Bayou State’s delegation. Re-elections, redistricting and other factors have contributed to a rise in political regency for the state’s congressmen.
Rep. Steve Scalise has risen to vice chairman on the House Energy and Power Subcommittee. Scalise also appears to also be a star on the rise within the Republican Party, having been elected to lead the Republican Study Committee, Congress’ largest conservative caucus.
Rep. Rodney Alexander is taking over as chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
Rep. Cedric Richmond, who is domiciled in New Orleans but also represents portions of the River Parishes in an oddly shaped horizontal district, is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.
Additionally, Richmond is a “senior whip,” meaning he is mandated to corral votes for Democrats on the House floor.
Sen. David Vitter has become the top Republican member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
Collectively, these changes should place Louisiana in a more enviable position in the Beltway, or at the least warrant the state a place at the seemingly endless buffet of Congressional spending.
Because so many of Louisiana’s delegation are in leadership roles, they fundamentally have keys to the strong box, thereby forcing members of Congress to come to them, rather than always having to beg for the occasional crumb. Leaders will be wielding leverage, allowing them to capitalize their positions to Louisiana’s benefit.
For now, Louisiana’s Congressional stroke is on the rise, giving hope that the political scales will finally tip our way.