[StBernard] Melancon Statement on Governor Blanco's Announcement

[Westley Annis]

	WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon made the following
statement today in response to Governor Kathleen Blanco's announcement that
she would not seek re-election:  
	 
	"Governor Blanco is a dedicated public servant and I thank her for
her service to our state.  She led us through what was without question the
worst period in Louisiana's history and faced challenges no governor before
her had experienced.  Rita and Katrina - two of the worst natural disasters
our nation has ever suffered through -- devastated a whole region of the
country, causing hundreds of billions of dollars in damages and costing over
1500 people their lives.   Louisiana will take decades to recover from these
tragedies, but Governor Blanco has started us on the path moving forward and
for that I am grateful.  
	 
	"Hindsight is always 20/20, but I think most Louisianians would
agree that Governor Blanco has always done what she believed was best for
our state and its people, and has been one of Louisiana's most honest
governors.  I value both her friendship and advice and wish her the best of
luck in whatever comes next."  
	 
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