Democrats choose chief

• By MARSHA SHULER
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Mar 16, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Baton Rouge lawyer Chris Whittington won re-election Saturday as Louisiana Democratic Party chairman, warding off a challenge from some political heavyweights unhappy with party showings in recent elections.

Whittington topped a five- candidate field in initial balloting, one vote shy of an outright win.

He beat Vacherie lawyer Paul Aucoin — backed by siblings U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu and Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu — in the runoff election.

Whittington overcame criticism of Democratic seats lost  in elections during his two years on the job. Democrats went from five to two statewide elected officials and surrendered seats in Louisiana House elections, finally clinging on to a bare majority.

More than one opponent hit him with that criticism, saying it’s time for change at the top with major federal elections at stake this year.
U.S. Sen. Landrieu is facing a tough re-election challenge from Republicans this fall.

Whittington said he inherited “a party in shambles” when he became chairman in January 2006. He said it is in far better shape today with fundraising and grassroots organization and would only get better with the help of party faithful.

“I’m someone who listens to you instead of taking orders from political lofty heights,” Whittington said, gigging Aucoin.

Aucoin stressed his support by the Landrieus, U.S. Rep. Charles Melancon of Napoleonville and other Democratic Party elected officials. House Democratic Caucus chairwoman and state Rep. Karen St. Germaine of Pierre Part nominated Aucoin.

“I think I represent the change needed,” said Aucoin, a major party fundraiser. “I have no personal agenda. This is to help us win elections … elect Democrats.”

Whittington got 100 votes to Aucoin’s 64.

Aucoin lost to Whittington in 2006 as well.

The chairman’s election topped the agenda for the Democratic State Central Committee meeting — the first session since new committee members were elected Feb. 9.

The meeting opened on a contentious note in a fight over the seating of 27 committee members appointed by Whittington to fill some of the 41 vacancies left when no one ran for the seats.