Recall effort targets Tucker

• By MARSHA SHULER
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Jun 20, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:15 a.m.

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House Speaker Jim Tucker is the target of a recall effort that has a Web site and an organizer who is no stranger to politics.

Tucker said Thursday he is taking the recall attempt seriously and will talk one-on-one with constituents who he admits are “upset” about the more than doubling of legislative pay the Louisiana Legislature approved earlier this week.

Recall organizer, Gretna businessman John Roberts, said he launched the effort not only because of the pay raise but the Legislature’s delay so that people won’t see an income tax reduction until 2010.

Roberts said the Terrytown Republican led both the pay raises and the delay in implementing the income tax reduction.

“He’s the leader of the pack,” Roberts said Thursday.

Meanwhile, LegeWatch has applied for a permit to hold a Monday afternoon pay raise protest rally at the State Capitol. The group describes itself as a monitor of Louisiana politics and runs an Web site that publishes political opinions.

The activity comes as public anger at the pay raise continues as well as calls for Gov. Bobby Jindal to veto it.

Jindal has said he will let the $20,700 increase in pay for rank-and-file legislators become law without his signature. A http://www.recalljindal.com/ Web site is under construction.

The pay increase brings legislators’ compensation packages to nearly $60,000 a year. Top legislative leaders get more money and will get about $100,000 in annual pay.

Roberts, the Tucker recall leader, ran for the state Senate seat that John Alario won in the fall.

Tucker said Roberts’ effort is “a little vendetta” for his refusal to back him in the Senate race.

Roberts said that’s far from the truth.

“I have no personal animosity toward him,” Roberts said. “He’s the one that’s been a Republican in name only. … I’m not happy with the governor either.”