Republican group supports Holden’s re-election
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A group of Republican elected officials, business leaders and party activists, including a former executive director of the Republican Party of Louisiana, pledged their support Wednesday to East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Kip Holden, a Democrat, in his bid for a second term.
“Republicans for Kip” announced their support Wednesday during a meeting attended by District 8 Metro Councilman Mike Walker, Mockler Beverage president Patrick Mockler and Jason Hebert, a political consultant and former executive director of the Republican Party of Louisiana, and other Republicans.
All three men praised Holden’s work in his first term in office and said they think, despite their own party affiliation, that Holden is the best choice in the Oct. 4 election.
“We know a good leader when we see one,” said Hebert, an organizer of the coalition — “We feel Kip is one.”
Holden is facing District 1 Metro Councilman Wayne Carter, former state Legislative Auditor Dan Kyle and former East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member Ron Johnson in the race.
Holden and Johnson are Democrats. Kyle and Carter are Republicans.
Harold Williams, the executive director of the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish, said the group doesn’t speak for the Republican Party in the parish.
While the parish party has not yet selected anyone to endorse, a meeting is scheduled Aug. 19 and Williams said they will endorse one or both of the Republican candidates.
“There are Republicans out there that support (Kip),” Williams said. “We also have Democrats that are supporting our candidates.”
Mockler cited Holden’s “pro-business” background when explaining why he was supporting Holden.
Hebert said he respected Holden’s response and leadership following Hurricane Katrina and his ability to “transcend party lines.”
Walker also said Holden has been able to work with both parties, using the Metro Council, which has a Republican majority, as an example.
Wade Byrd, the chairman of the East Baton Rouge Parish Democratic Executive Committee, said he thinks Holden is looked upon favorably by members of both parties. He said he wasn’t surprised by the show of support.
“They’re looking for someone who is able to cross party lines and work with whomever, no matter what party they are,” Byrd said. “Kip has shown he can do that.”
“Republicans for Kip” announced their support Wednesday during a meeting attended by District 8 Metro Councilman Mike Walker, Mockler Beverage president Patrick Mockler and Jason Hebert, a political consultant and former executive director of the Republican Party of Louisiana, and other Republicans.
All three men praised Holden’s work in his first term in office and said they think, despite their own party affiliation, that Holden is the best choice in the Oct. 4 election.
“We know a good leader when we see one,” said Hebert, an organizer of the coalition — “We feel Kip is one.”
Holden is facing District 1 Metro Councilman Wayne Carter, former state Legislative Auditor Dan Kyle and former East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member Ron Johnson in the race.
Holden and Johnson are Democrats. Kyle and Carter are Republicans.
Harold Williams, the executive director of the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish, said the group doesn’t speak for the Republican Party in the parish.
While the parish party has not yet selected anyone to endorse, a meeting is scheduled Aug. 19 and Williams said they will endorse one or both of the Republican candidates.
“There are Republicans out there that support (Kip),” Williams said. “We also have Democrats that are supporting our candidates.”
Mockler cited Holden’s “pro-business” background when explaining why he was supporting Holden.
Hebert said he respected Holden’s response and leadership following Hurricane Katrina and his ability to “transcend party lines.”
Walker also said Holden has been able to work with both parties, using the Metro Council, which has a Republican majority, as an example.
Wade Byrd, the chairman of the East Baton Rouge Parish Democratic Executive Committee, said he thinks Holden is looked upon favorably by members of both parties. He said he wasn’t surprised by the show of support.
“They’re looking for someone who is able to cross party lines and work with whomever, no matter what party they are,” Byrd said. “Kip has shown he can do that.”
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