Sources close to state Rep. Paul Hollis, R-Mandeville, say it's still an "active decision" regarding whether or not he'll enter next year's race for the U.S. Senate.
Sources close to state Rep. Paul Hollis, R-Mandeville, say it's still an "active decision" regarding whether or not he'll enter next year's race for the U.S. Senate.
"He's got a young family and there are a lot of different things he's thinking about," said a friend. "He doesn't want to be a spoiler in the race, but he is very interested."
Courtesy LaPolitics News Service
With the announcement by state Rep. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, last week that he wouldn't be entering the U.S. Senate race, it was looking as if Republicans were clearing the field for Congressman Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge
Upon making his decision, Seabaugh said that without a unified front it would be all the more difficult for the GOP to topple incumbent Sen. Mary Landrieu, a New Orleans Democrat.
As reported first by LaPolitics last month, Hollis has said he's concerned about the "stability and direction of our country right now," which is prompting him to consider running for the Senate.
Hollis comes from notable political stock. His late father, Ken Hollis, also served in the state Senate. But the younger Hollis, a black belt and rare coins dealers, is an interesting figure on his own.
Last year he penned "American Numismatist," which is a nonfiction yarn that interweaves American history with the story of its coins and currency. After it was published, the Numismatic Literary Guild presented Hollis with the "Best U.S. Coin Book Award."
In the Legislature, he sits on the commerce, education and retirement committees. During the most recent session, he passed legislation outlining procedures for removing school bus drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated. He also introduced, and later withdrew, a constitutional amendments prohibiting mandatory participation in certain health care systems, an attempt to bring to light arguments against Obamacare.
The only other Republican in the race right now is Rob Maness, a retired Air Force colonel from Madisonville.