NEWS

Dove hunt flushes out La. politicians

Greg Hilburn
USA TODAY Network

During any Louisiana election season, state Sen. Francis Thompson’s annual Legislative Dove Hunt reception isn’t an elective for politicians from all over the state. It’s part of the core curriculum.

“Everybody who is somebody, wants to be somebody or thinks they’re somebody has to be here,” said Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, a Republican who’s running for governor. “It’s a Louisiana tradition.”

He was joined by Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, also a candidate for governor, who posed for a photo in a mock fisticuffs battle with Dardenne.

“You can’t really miss this,” Angelle said.

But they weren’t alone.

There was state Republican Treasurer John Kennedy, who doesn’t have an opponent for re-election but has his eye on a U.S. Senate seat. “I just love coming up for this event,” he said.

And Republican Attorney General Buddy Caldwell. “I wouldn’t miss it,” he said.

Two of the Republican candidates for lieutenant governor — Jefferson Parish President John Young and former Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nunguesser — were also among those on the scene.

“This is a must-attend event, especially during election season,” Young said.

And there were too many legislators and sheriffs to count, even if they had to abandon the first Friday of high school football back home.

“I was told I had to come here for the experience, and I’m not disappointed,” said state Rep. Blake Miguez, R-Erath. “And if it’s about guns and hunting, you know I’m going to be here.”

“Everybody knows this is where you need to be,” said Republican state Sen. Barrow Peacock, R-Bossier City.

Thompson, D-Delhi, reveled in the attention at his annual fundraiser.

“I think it’s fantastic that all of my colleagues and supporters look forward to coming to this every year,” he said. “Hey, I’d like to think they’re just doing it for me. But it is election season, isn’t it?”

Follow Greg Hilburn on Twitter @GregHilburn1.