[StBernard] Town Halls and Listening to Louisianians

[Westley Annis]

Ever get the feeling that some people run for Congress to build a good life in Washington rather than listen to what hard working folks in Louisiana have to say? 

Yesterday, I completed my 60th town hall meeting of the year, and I can proudly say that I've now conducted over 190 town hall meetings <http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=hhKUI7OILdIMKaJ&s=cdLHJLNkH9JGKQOsFkG&m=swI0IfN0IjJ9G>  since being elected to the U.S. Senate. It's been an honor hearing your thoughts and concerns and representing them on your behalf. 

Unfortunately, Charlie Melancon seems to put little value on listening to and working for Louisianians. Charlie Melancon has refused to hold a town hall meeting in over 160 days <http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=kkI0JgPUKgLTIkI&s=cdLHJLNkH9JGKQOsFkG&m=swI0IfN0IjJ9G>  and counting. You can see the exact tally on my new "Charlie Melancon Town Hall Clock" at www.DavidVitter.com. <http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=ddJMKVNsE9KGK0L&s=cdLHJLNkH9JGKQOsFkG&m=swI0IfN0IjJ9G> 

Melancon believes the job is centered in Washington, where he takes his cue from Washington insiders. I see it a bit differently. 

For me, working in the U.S. Senate is about the future of Louisiana, and making sure that folks from Abbeville to Zwolle know they have the opportunity to speak with me in their hometown about what issues matter to them. For each new session of Congress, I don't return to Washington without hearing what you have to say.

If Melancon decided to hold a town hall meeting <http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=gqLSK4OEKcJNIaK&s=cdLHJLNkH9JGKQOsFkG&m=swI0IfN0IjJ9G> , he would find out that Louisianians don't agree with the direction President Obama and Washington's liberals are taking our country and economy.

Louisianians don't support Melancon's vote for Obama's $787 billion stimulus, they don't support the Melancon-Obama budget that triples our debt in ten years, and they don't stand with Melancon in supporting multiple government bailouts to fix our ailing economy. 

I said no to the stimulus and the trillions in wasted tax dollars and government expansion that went with it. I opposed all the bailouts and offered a "No Cost Stimulus" package <http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=jtJYLdPQIfIUKkJ&s=cdLHJLNkH9JGKQOsFkG&m=swI0IfN0IjJ9G>  that would bring one million new jobs to our economy and grow existing jobs in Louisiana.

Team , Louisianians deserve a leader who stays in touch with constituents and listens to their concerns. I will continue to hold town hall meetings to hear directly from you about the issues you and your family face and how I can help better represent you in Washington.

Thanks for your help in the fight for our future - together, we will get the job done. <http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=ddKMIVMsH9LJL3I&s=cdLHJLNkH9JGKQOsFkG&m=swI0IfN0IjJ9G> 

Your friend,

David Vitter