(HUNT DUCKS!) Downer Absent From Tea Party Debate
by MARK BALLARD - Advocate (excerpt)

GONZALES — Two of the three Republican candidates running for the congressional 3rd District seat agreed on most issues, including the need to revamp the U.S. Constitution and change the personal income tax system. The biggest applause lines for GOP candidates Kristian Magar, 35, and Jeff Landry, 39, came from their support of repealing the section of the 14th amendment of the U.S. Constitution that allows citizenship to people born in this country regardless of the status of their parents.

The third Republican candidate, former Louisiana House Speaker Hunt Downer, of Houma, did not attend the debate. About 75 people attended the debate sponsored by the Baton Rouge Tea Party and the Tea Party of Louisiana. Only Republicans can vote for Republican candidates in the Aug 28 primary. The winner of the GOP primary will face the lone Democratic candidate, Ravi Sangisetty, a Houma lawyer, in the Nov. 2 general election. The race is to replace U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., for his seat.

Jennifer Madsen, head of the Baton Rouge Tea Party, said the debate cost about $6,500 to host. It will be shown on cable television in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and other markets. She said the group has elected not to endorse a candidate at this time. “However, if we can’t trust Downer to keep an appointment, how can we trust him to keep his word in Washington,” Madsen said.

COMMENTARY: Downer cancelled his debate appearance citing a pressing fundraiser he had to attend! Face the voters or pick up the money? It's pretty obvious where Downer's priorities are!