Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: La. party leadership in question

During Gov. Jeff Landry’s premier Washington Mardi Gras fundraiser last month, huddled together among hundreds in a packed ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria, state Democratic Party Chairwoman Katie Bernhardt and GOP Chair Louis Gurvich spoke privately for a few minutes over the political roar.
Only they know what was discussed that evening, but back home in Louisiana the rank-and-file members of their respective central committees aren’t yet convinced Bernhardt and Gurvich will return for subsequent terms. 
The re-election issue is timely for both, since Republicans and Democrats will vote next month for their state central committee members, who are in turn responsible for electing party leadership.
Asked about his plans, Gurvich said he has not ruled out seeking the post again, “but I am awaiting developments.”
He added, “One-third of the RSCC hasn’t even been elected yet, including some of the people who I do expect will be running for various offices.”
One of those people is Derek Babcock, who serves as secretary on the state GOP’s executive committee and plans to run for chair. He said he wants to build more respect for the party at the Capitol and attract more young people to the Republican cause.
Jude Savoie, who did not draw a challenger for his seat on the RSCC, is planning to run for chair against the party establishment, which he accuses of maintaining a “cloak of secrecy” and favoring certain consultants.
“It’s just time to clean up our party,” Savoie said.
Gurvich and Babcock say leadership has been transparent with members, who can get their questions answered by simply visiting the party office and asking.
“Nobody has had information withheld from them,” Babcock said.
As for the DSCC, current chair Bernhardt is facing a concerted effort to oust her. She said last week she intends to run, but politicos close to her wonder if she’ll actually stand as a candidate when the time comes.
Blue Reboot, a new organization of Democratic activists, says it has recruited and trained more than 100 DSCC candidates who want to see a change in leadership.
Former Rep. Randal Gaines in December announced plans to run for Democratic Party chair, and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis has been considering a run.
Party leaders have failed to recruit candidates in key raises and effectively support those who do step up, critics say.
“You can’t just blame one person for the state of the party,” said Lynda Woolard, an advisor to Blue Reboot who is not running for anything herself. “Katie is the person that most people know.”
The real action begins on March 23, when candidates run for the Democratic and Republican state central committees.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.