Perhaps some of the readers will be able to formulate a term that adequately defines the representation they have received from Louisiana's Seventh District since 1967. Unfortunately, the words I'd prefer to use would not be becoming for a candidate for the seat, so I'll just leave it up to you.
As opposed to taking office to truly "represent" their constituents, each have simply served their own agendas.
As a side note, I have been often asked why do my signs, brochures, web site, and advertising consistently state that I am running for "U.S. Representative" when the other candidates say that they are running for "Congress". To answer the question, I have to first refer the questioner to a dictionary ... likely any dictionary. American Heritage Dictionary defines "Congress" as "a. The national legislative body of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives." Either someone has forgotten to tell the candidates that "Congress" consists of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or perhaps the thought of truly representing YOU, the constituent, puts a bad taste in their mouths so they use an obviously incorrect term. Either they have no clue as to job requirement of the position they are campaigning for or they really do not wish to represent YOU. Either way, it remains a poor choice for Louisiana and the Seventh District to elect someone running for "Congress" when what we truly need is a "Representative." Peter Vidrine is the ONLY CANDIDATE running for "U.S. Representative," to represent you, the constituents and voters. Back to the topic now.
Looking at the Seventh District's Representatives since 1967 gives us an interesting, if not appalling, view of where our Representatives have gone after leaving office. Perhaps this is truly indicative of their agendas.
Edwin Edwards, Democrat from 1967 to 1973. Now in prison.
John Breaux, Democrat from 1973-1987. Co-founder of lobbyist group, The Breaux-Lott Leadership Group
James A. "Jimmy" Hayes, Democrat from 1987-1995, Republican from 1997-1997. Lobbyist with Adams & Reese, LLP.
Chris John, Democrat from 1997-2005. President of Lobbyist firm, Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association.
While being a lobbyist isn't of itself a dishonorable job, it does seem to be a conflict that every U.S. Representative in the 38 years between 1967 and 2005 is either in prison or a lobbyist. It doesn't take an imagination to gather that their agendas were NOT tor serve or represent YOU, the voters and constituents of Louisiana's seventh district.
Peter Vidrine, like you, works for a living. Like you, knows what it's like to get laid off from a job. Like you, knows what it's like to pay over $4.00 a gallon for gas. Like you, is fed up and disgusted with the self-serving antics of Washington. He isn't seeking the position for wealth and power, but to simply help make things better for you, your kids, and his kids.
Isn't it time for you to be "Represented" for a change? Heaven knows we've been "Congressed" enough.