KPEL: Republicans (State Party) Launch Mutiny Against House Speaker

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Less than 24 hours after a Republican-led veto override effort ended in defeat, the head of the Louisiana Republican Party has begun an open rebellion against Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder.

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Six Democrats who initially voted in favor of the bill--Sens. Regina Barrow (D-Baton Rouge) and Katrina Jackson (D-Monroe) and Reps. Travis Johnson (D-Ferriday), Chad Brown (D-Plaquemine), Mack Cormier (D-Belle Chasse), and Pat Moore (D-Monroe)--switched their votes and supported the governor's veto.

In a statement, the six Democrats who changed their stances said they did so after reviewing the Louisiana High School Athletic Association's policy regarding transgender athletes. They said the proposed law would have undermined the LHSAA's rules.

One Republican voted along with the Democratic bloc to sustain the governor's veto. Rep. Joe Stagni (R-Kenner) voted "no" to the veto override.

Now, Louisiana GOP chairman Louis Gurvich is calling for "consequences" against those who voted against the veto override.

Gurvich is calling on Speaker Schexnayder to replace Democratic committee chairs with members of the Conservative Caucus. Failure to do so, Gurvich said, will lead to “a broader conversation about how the House of Representatives is run.” Gurvich also said the party will try to recall Stagni.

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Louisiana Family Forum director Gene Mills is also calling for action against the lawmakers who voted against the transgender athlete ban. He says those representatives may face political consequences because of their vote.

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Schexnayder did not respond to Gurvich's threats against him. In a statement, Schexnayder said he would reintroduce the transgender athlete ban bill again next year. While he says he's disappointed, Schexnayder said he's happy the legislature made history.

“The vote to override Governor Edwards’ veto of the Fairness in Women's Sports Act fell two votes short today. While I am frustrated by the result, I am encouraged by the fact that we did something that has never been done in this state in asserting our legislative independence. Veto sessions should be the norm from now on as Louisiana's constitution instructs. We have separate and equal branches of government for a reason. We will bring this bill back next year and will not stop fighting.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party also issued its reaction to the end of the veto session. The party accused Republican lawmakers of "(ignoring) the concerns of law enforcement, business leaders, and the vast majority of Louisianans, putting politics before public safety, economic recovery, and Louisiana values."

"Louisiana Republicans have spent more time peddling wedge issues meant to divide our state than trying to overcome distrust in life-saving vaccines and bring this pandemic to a conclusion," Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt said.

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Republicans' failure to override Governor Edwards's veto could have a long-term effect on the balance of power at the Capitol. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says the failed session gives Governor Edwards more power--power he can use to his and his allies advantage during redistricting next year.

"When that happens, the governor will have a very strong role to play," DuBos told the Louisiana Radio Network. "This strengthens his hand in dealing with the legislature when dealing with major issues like redistricting, the budget, and other things. I don't think anyone should be surprised by whatever happens because we just don't have a point of reference. This is going to be the point of reference going forward for veto sessions. I think they need to choose a better issue to take a stand on--not one that simply appeals to their base, but one that appeals to a broader section of the community."

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