Cedric Richmond, Brett Geymann and Marshall Jones win approval
(Baton Rouge – September 8, 2016) The Louisiana Federation of Teachers has endorsed candidates for three Congressional seats to be chosen in the November 8 election, according to LFT Interim President Larry Carter.
“Our endorsements are based on the candidates’ strong support for public education and their advocacy for policies that benefit working families in Louisiana,” Carter said. “Regardless of party affiliation, we want to elect representatives who reflect the values of our 20,000 members.”
In District 2, which covers the City of New Orleans and stretches up the Mississippi River to include part of North Baton Rouge, LFT endorses the incumbent Representative Cedric Richmond, a Democrat.
“Congressman Richmond has been a steady and reliable friend of public education through 11 years in the Louisiana Legislature and since his first election to Congress in 2010” Carter said. “As a member of the Homeland Security committee, he is an important voice for coastal Louisiana through oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Authority.”
In District 3, which encompasses Southwest Louisiana from Lake Charles through Lafayette, LFT endorses former State Representative Brett Geymann, a Republican.
“As a State Representative, Brett Geymann was a strong voice for parents who felt left out of the education reforms that swept our state over the past eight years,” Carter said. “His support for local control of our schools was important for educators, parents and taxpayers. His views on responsible budgeting were in sharp contrast with the smoke and mirror budgets of the Jindal administration.”
In District 4, which covers Northwest Louisiana and the western part of Central Louisiana, LFT endorses Democrat Marshall Jones, a Shreveport attorney, businessman, oil and gas operator, farmer and volunteer.
“Marshall Jones has deep roots in his community,” Carter said. “He’s ready to make a difference in Washington. His history of working to improve the lives of the people of Northwest Louisiana proves that. Marshall Jones fought for the rights of special needs students in Caddo Parish, and he’s worked alongside teachers, health care workers, farmers, veterans and family-owned businesses.”
The re-election of Cedric Richmond and the election of Brett Geymann and Marshal Jones will give the citizens of Louisiana a congressional delegation that puts the interest of our state and its people above party politics and ideological divides, Carter said.