Treasurer John Kennedy Responds To Vermilion Lawsuit

Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy is in a crowded field vying to win the U.S. Senate seat held by David Vitter.

In our state, oil & gas is always a hot topic, especially now that 15^th Judicial District Attorney Keith Stutes has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Vermilion Parish against 45 oil & gas companies, seeking to collect for environment damage there.

Rob Kirkpatrick and Bernadette Lee of “Acadiana’s Morning News” welcomed Kennedy to the show to discuss the topic.

First, Kennedy addressed the state of the oil & gas industry on a national and international level, taking aim not only at President Obama, but at members of Congress.

“We know President Obama hates oil and gas, but what is Congress doing about it? Nothing.”

“The Arabs are kicking our rear ends. We need to fight back.”

He recommended members of Congress get together with the governors of states heavily involved in the oil and gas industry, in order to keep communication open.

“So many members of Congress oughta wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so you can see who their corporate sponsors are.”

Kennedy then turned inward to Louisiana as the discussion turned towards the Vermilion lawsuit.

“We are the best in the world at oil exploration,” said Kennedy, who cited the fact that people from all over the country and the world come to Louisiana for questions and advice in the industry.

“You step up and protect your people,” exclaimed Kennedy as he related recent tax bills passed in the state legislature to an already hurting oil & gas industry. He went on to say how passing more taxes on these businesses only hurts them and chases them away.