LABI PACs Endorse Vitter for Governor

Baton Rouge, La. – NORTHPAC, EASTPAC, SOUTHPAC and WESTPAC, the political action arms of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), announced their endorsement of Republican David Vitter in the race for Louisiana governor.

“LABI’s affiliated PACs rarely endorse in statewide races, though it has occurred in several instances. For an endorsement to occur, all four of the independent PACs must agree with a supermajority on one single candidate. In this governor’s election, the four boards unanimously agreed to endorse David Vitter for governor,” said Brian Landry, vice president of LABI Political Action.

LABI PAC members voted to endorse Vitter based on his pro-business policy positions and lifetime voting record with LABI. From 1992-99, when Vitter served in the House, he voted 95 percent of the time in support of pro-growth initiatives scored by LABI. In contrast, over the past eight years, John Bel Edwards’ LABI lifetime voting record is 29 percent. In Edwards’ most recent four-year term, he scored 25 percent with LABI, which was the second lowest score in the entire House of Representatives for 2012-15.

“As confirmed by his record as a state legislator, U.S. Congressman and Senator, David Vitter is a true supporter of employers and a defender of conservative principles,” said Terry Baugh, CFO at D&J Construction Company, Inc. “In this election, there is a clear distinction between the candidates and the vision each has for Louisiana. The clear choice for economic growth and solid conservative principles is David Vitter.”

“As a small business owner, I have found that LABI’s scorecard is one of the best tools to find out how legislators vote on the policy issues that are important to me and my employees,” said John Overton, CFO/partner at TurnKey Solutions, LLC. “David Vitter’s leadership on tax policy and lawsuit reform helps small businesses grow and create the jobs Louisiana needs to compete in a global economy.”

“When it comes to jobs and those who create them, Edwards’ record in the Legislature clearly indicates he is not the candidate committed to a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda,” said Landry. “This election year presents Louisiana with a clear alternative – a candidate who recognizes that a thriving business environment is critical to our state’s economic competitiveness. David Vitter will be champion for both Louisiana employers and employees and we are proud to endorse him.”

“David Vitter is the candidate who best represents LABI’s pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda. His commitment to making sure we have a competitive state economy will mean better opportunities and a better quality of life for all Louisianans.”