Reporters' Show - February 2, 1979
Louisiana: The State We're In
Details
Collection:LPB
Genre: Newsmagazine
Place Covered: Louisiana
Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority
Date Issued: 1979-02-02
Duration: 00:28:55
Subjects: Filmed panel discussions | Journalists | Elections, 1979 | Louisiana gubernatorial election, 1979 | Political campaigns | Hardy, Paul, 1942- | Louisiana Governor's Mansion (Baton Rouge, La.) | Henry, E. L. "Bubba" | LAMBERT, LOUIS | Treen, David C., 1928-2009 | MOUTON, EDGAR G. "SONNY" | Long, Gillis William, 1923-1985 | Roemer, Charles, E., II, 1923-2012 | ATCHAFALAYA BASIN | Politics | Education
Contributors:
- George, Beth Host
- Fourrier, Clay Photographer
- L'Herisson, Sandra Photographer
- Jackson, Lyle Photographer
- Blome, Ron Reporter
- Blome, Ron Editor
- George, Beth Producer
- Wolf, Thom Director
- Hardy, Paul Speaker
- Courtney, Bob Panelist
- Hill, John Panelist
- Lynch, Bill Panelist
Description
This episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” from February 2, 1979, features Beth George leading a panel discussion on the 1979 gubernatorial election with three capitol reporters: Bob Courtney of WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge; John Hill of the Shreveport Times and Monroe Morning World; and Bill Lynch of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. They discuss: Secretary of State Paul Hardy’s announcement of his candidacy for Governor as a media event; Hardy’s vow not to move into the Governor’s Mansion, if elected, in order to maintain normalcy for his children; the previous announcements made by Speaker of the House Bubba Henry, Public Service Commission Chairman Louis Lambert, and Congressman Dave Treen; education as the number one issue of the campaign; the desire of State Senator Sonny Mouton, an unannounced candidate, to force the candidates to address the issues because he cannot win on image alone; the possibility of Congressman Gillis Long entering the race; the role of Commissioner of Administration Charles Roemer in the election as either a candidate or a kingmaker; the possibility of the vote being split along geographic lines; Congressman Dave Treen as the frontrunner in the race; none of the candidates wanting to take a stand on the possible federal take-over of the Atchafalaya Basin; and the importance of image in the campaign. Their discussion was preceded by footage from Secretary of State Paul Hardy’s announcement press conference.