EBR GOP snubs 2 hopefuls

• By SCOTT DYER
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Aug 24, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Mike Walker and Martha Jane Tassin are the only incumbent Republican Metro Council members seeking re-election this fall, but they’ve been snubbed by the East Baton Rouge Republican Party for supporting Mayor-President Kip Holden, who is a Democrat. 
Walker and Tassin were not included among the endorsements released by the East Baton Rouge Republican Party last week.

“They’re mad at me and they’re mad at Martha Jane. But me in particular, because I’ve been friends with Kip forever, and I’m supporting him for re-election this year,” Walker said.

Holden said Walker and Tassin always have worked with him to promote what’s best for East Baton Rouge. They should be commended for working across party lines, not punished for doing so, the mayor said.

“It’s a sad commentary when people can’t be friends because they’re members of different political parties,” Holden said.

Walker was one of three local Republicans who endorsed Holden at a news conference earlier this month, and East Baton Rouge Parish Executive Committee Chairman Harold Williams said that didn’t sit well with party officials.

Tassin also raised eyebrows by crossing party lines to support Holden, Williams said.

In an interview, Williams said Walker and Tassin were not considered for possible endorsements.

Tassin never submitted the required paperwork, and Walker withdrew his name from consideration, Williams said.

Williams said Walker likely knew he would not be considered favorably by local party officials because of his support of Holden.

“You call yourself a Republican, but then you go out and endorse a Democrat, calling yourself ‘Republicans for Kip,’ when there are two other Republican candidates in that race,” Williams said.

Walker said he pulled his name from consideration for an endorsement after Williams warned him that there would likely be a “squabble” because several committee members were upset at his endorsement of Holden.

“I’ve more than paid my dues with the party over the years, and if this is the way they want to be, then they can go ahead,” Walker said.
Walker said he has asked Williams to refund the $250 contribution that he had made to the local Republican Party.

Martha Jane Tassin said she supports Holden in his re-election bid, but can’t say that’s the reason that she didn’t receive the required forms for the endorsement until the day before the deadline.