This week's "Peep Goat" column, out on newsstands tomorrow, reports on the level of support state Rep. Elbert Guillory is picking up from high profile Lafayette business and politicial leaders in his campaign for the District 24 state senate seat, formerly held by Don Cravins Jr.
Last night, a bipartisan group comprised of beer distributor Herb Schilling, oilman Don Briggs, former school board member Shelton Cobb, former U.S. Attorney Mike Skinner, attorneys Tyron Picard and Robbie Mahtook, former city prosecutor Donald Fuselier, state Sen. Mike Michot and state Reps. Rickey Hardy, Page Cortez and Joel Robideaux hosted a fund-raiser for Guillory at Schilling Distributing on Moss Street. Senate District 24 covers most of St. Landry Parish and a portion of northern Lafayette Parish. With all five candidates hailing from St. Landry Parish, Lafayette could prove to be a key battleground in the race.
As expected, Guillory also has picked up solid support from his St. Landry base. Last week, Peep Goat reports, insurance mogul and politico Bobby Dupre hosted a fund-raiser for Guillory that included several leaders from througout the parish, including Sheriff Bobby Guidroz and Clerk of Court Charles Jagneaux.
Guillory is vying against four other candidates, including Pat Cravins, an educator whose son and husband, Opelousas Mayor Don Cravins Sr., both previously held the District 24 Senate seat. The election is April 4. The field also includes two other Democrats, Quincy Richard Jr. and Kelly J. Scott, and Republican “Link” Savoie.