For Immediate Release
October 30, 2012
Contact: Jason Doré
225-389-4495

KLECKLEY PRESENTED “RED ELEPHANT” AWARD BY REPUBLICAN PARTY OF LOUISIANA

The Republican Party of Louisiana held a tribute on Monday to Louisiana Speaker of the House Chuck Kleckley, presenting him with the “Red Elephant” award for his leadership in enacting bold reforms during the 2012 legislative session.

“Speaker Kleckley embodies the definition of a bold reformer,” said Republican Party State Chairman Roger Villere, Jr. “During his first legislative session as Speaker, Chuck faced enormous obstacles and controversy, but he never wavered.”

During just one session as Speaker, Kleckley successfully tackled one of the issues that has dogged Louisiana lawmakers for years, education reform. Kleckley worked tirelessly to pass Governor Bobby Jindal’s monumental education reform package and provide Louisiana’s children with quality education. Kleckley faced enormous opposition from teacher unions, education bureaucrats and liberal politicians.

During the 2012 legislative session, union leaders threatened to launch recall efforts against those who supported education reform. Shortly after the session began, opponents of education reform began launching recall efforts against Kleckley, Governor Jindal, Rep. Gregory Cromer, Rep. Raymond Garofalo and Rep. Kevin Pearson. However, all of the recall efforts failed miserably.

“We are proud to have Republican legislative leaders like Speaker Kleckley who are willing to do what is right even when opponents use bullying tactics,” Villere said. “It is clear that Speaker Kleckley is committed to representing his own constituents, regardless of pressure from outside groups.”

In accepting the award, Speaker Kleckley promised to continue to work to move Louisiana forward by enacting tax reform, making Louisiana government more efficient and shrinking government spending.

“With the 2013 legislative session right around the corner, we are excited and committed to continue to work with the Speaker to advance conservative reform in Louisiana,” Villere said.

The following Republican legislative leaders joined the LAGOP in honoring Speaker Kleckley by hosting the Tribute: Sen. John Alario, Rep. Stuart Bishop, Rep. Christopher Broadwater, Rep. Timothy Burns, Rep. Stephen Carter, Rep. Simone Champagne, Sen. Page Cortez, Rep. Gregory Cromer, Rep. Gordon Dove, Rep. Raymond Garofalo, Rep. Bob Hensgens, Rep. Nancy Landry, Rep. Anthony Ligi, Rep. Joseph Lopinto, Sen. Dan Morrish, Rep. Kevin Pearson, Rep. Joel Robideaux, Rep. Alan Seabaugh, Rep. Scott Simon, Rep. Kirk Talbot and Rep. Lenar Whitney.