Politics for July 27, 2008

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Jul 27, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Amid numerous policy sessions and several public service activities during the National Conference of State Legislatures in New Orleans last week, Louisiana legislators were able to have a little fun giving their out-of-town guests a midweek Mardi Gras experience.

Several state legislators donned feathered masks and threw out beads in a mini-parade around the Superdome during a Wednesday night party featuring Cajun cuisine, Carnival games and jazz music.

Throughout the week, legislators also helped promote ongoing projects in the city —painting a mural for a New Orleans hospital, volunteering at the Second Harvest Food Bank and replanting Louisiana wetlands.

The annual convention of state legislators and staffs from across the nation ran through Saturday at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The convention was expected to draw more than 6,000 participants.

Jindal promotes McCain policies
Gov. Bobby Jindal is being seen on national television a lot these days.

Jindal said he supports GOP presidential candidate U.S. Sen. John McCain and frequently is asked to speak on McCain’s behalf.

That’s why the 37-year-old governor has been on network television so much lately discussing issues far beyond the usual portfolio for a state official, such as the effectiveness of deploying more soldiers to Iraq and that the military’s  “surge” there is the best means of winning the war.

Jindal said he is only describing McCain’s positions and why he supports them.

“Don’t worry. The state of Louisiana has no policy concerning Iraq,” Jindal said.

Cravins’ campaign gets D.C. attention
Congressional candidate Don Cravins, of St. Landry Parish, is getting attention from Democrats in Washington, D.C.

The state senator’s campaign is on the so-called “emerging races” list at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

A spokeswoman says the group believes Cravins can defeat the incumbent, Republican U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany of Lafayette.

The two are running in the 4th Congressional District, which covers southwest Louisiana.