The Louisiana Republican Party makes its pick in the sixth congressional district race, and some within the GOP ranks are not taking too kindly to that.
On Sunday, the executive committee endorsed Blake Miguez, who says he’s humbled to have the state party’s backing.
“It’s very much more meaningful for me to know that there are several members on the
executive committee that live within congressional district six,” says Miguez.
The party’s endorsement unlocks money from the Republican National Committee, which will come in handy for Miguez, given the crowded field in the open primary.
“This is the process for Republicans to know who to rally behind and unite,” Miguez says; “because in November, the Republican Party wants to switch this seat from Democrat to Republican.”
Miguez’s most formidable Republican opponent in the district six race, Rick Edmonds, is not taking too kindly to the committee’s Sunday endorsement.
Edmonds says the committee acted in defiance of the central committee, saying he had the backing of more of those members than Miguez.
“We had to seek 22 Republican state central committee members to agree to an endorsement
for us,” says Edmonds. “And we did that. The number that has been reported back from the committee was that we had 25.”
That apparently wasn’t enough to sway the executive committee, which picked Miguez.
“Two or three came in with an agenda, they voted their agenda, and we were not considered,” Edmonds says. “We’re more than disappointed with the actions. And what we’re hearing across the state right now is that they are appalled, and there’s a lot of anger.”
Among those angry over the executive committee’s actions is reportedly Governor Landry.
Edmonds says despite all that, he’s confident in his campaign.
“We’re glad that we have most endorsements of any candidate – Republican, Democrat or otherwise,” says Edmonds.