[StBernard] Gubernatorial hopefuls debate

[Westley Annis]

Gubernatorial hopefuls debate

By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON
Advocate Capitol News Bureau
Published: May 24, 2007 - Page: 1a 

Gubernatorial candidate Foster Campbell continued to beat the drum Wednesday
for  eliminating the personal income tax by capturing more money from
foreign oil.

However, the other major candidates in the race said they were concerned
about his proposal at the first Baton Rouge forum involving the major
candidates in the Oct. 20 race to lead Louisiana's government.

The forum was sponsored by the Louisiana Chemical Association and the
Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance.

Campbell wants to impose a fee on all oil and gas - including foreign oil -
processed in the state.

He said he expected the audience of petrochemical manufacturers and
suppliers to be tough on him about the processing tax.

"I'm probably not your favorite politician," Campbell said.

As it turned out, the toughest criticism came from his political opponents.

New Orleans businessman John Georges said he favors a less-drastic approach
to cutting taxes. He wants to start by exempting people age 65 and older
from paying state income tax.

Another candidate, state Sen. Walter Boasso, questioned the plausibility of
Campbell's proposal.

"I'd love to say we could eliminate everyone's income tax," he said.

U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal predicted the proposal would drive the oil industry
out of the state.

About 150 people attended the event at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol
Center.

Two of the Democrats in the race, Campbell and Boasso, were there in person
along with Georges, a Republican.

Jindal, R-Kenner, loomed over the gathering in a prerecorded message played
on a giant screen.

Jindal said he could not attend in person because of votes he was needed for
in Congress.

Each contender touted why he is the best choice to replace Gov. Kathleen
Blanco, a Democrat who is not seeking a second term.

Boasso, a successful, self-made businessman from Arabi, said he has the
courage to make hard decisions.

As a senator, he said, he has not shied away from the tough issues such as
levee board reform.

"I don't need a political job &hellip I'm on a mission," Boasso said.

He pointed to his relatively short political career - he's been in the
Senate about three years - as a plus.

Campbell, a member of the Public Service Commission and a former legislator
from Bossier Parish, countered by saying he is proud of his political
experience.

"I'm the guy that wants to get rid of the income tax," he said.

Georges described himself as a businessman who provides groceries to
convenience stores.

He did not mention that his business interests also include a company with a
gambling license to sell video poker machines. In the past, he has said he
plans to shed that part of his business.

Georges said he can turn the state around within four years.

He said a speedier storm recovery is needed to move beyond cleaning up
debris.

"I don't claim to be the smartest guy running in this race, but I know how
to get things done," he said.

The candidates took written questions from the audience.

The forum moderator, LSU media law professor Craig Freeman, said Jindal was
supposed to participate by conference call from Washington, D.C.

Jindal canceled the morning of the forum but supplied a videotaped message,
Freeman said.

One of the questions posed to the candidates concerned the state's
health-care crisis.

State government is grappling with the problem of providing health care for
the poor and uninsured.

One issue is replacing the storm-damaged charity and teaching hospital
system in New Orleans.

Georges said he advocates a system of Wal-Mart-style health-care clinics
throughout the community.

Boasso said he would take a business approach to the problem and rearrange
what is already in place.

Campbell said he does not know what the answer is.

"We'll find a solution, but no one has it right now," he said.