Yet more evidence of internal discord within the Louisiana Democratic Party: On the heels of Executive Director Britton Loftin’s resignation in early June comes word that Communications Director Scott Jordan also has left the organization. In an announcement late Friday, Jordan, the former editor of The Independent Weekly, said he plans to focus on his family’s Acadiana-based business, Sugar Magnolia Landscaping. Jordan served as communications director since July 2008.
“It’s been a privilege to promote Democratic principles and policies in Louisiana and work with Democratic legislators and supporters over the last year,” Jordan said. “It was especially gratifying during 2008’s historic presidential election.”
Loftin, who had held the executive director’s post since April 2008, did not provide details on his future plans when his departure was announced. In addition to the executive position, he had also served as field organizer and field director in Louisiana campaigns.
Chris Whittington, chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, said replacements for both positions should be announced soon. Whittington himself is likely feeling a little uneasy about his job security. Upset with the outcome of the 2008 elections, in which the state’s congressional delegation changed from four Republicans and three Democrats to 6-1 for the GOP, members of the board that governs the state party unsuccessfully tried to oust Whittington earlier this year.
Additionally, in the midst of the Loftin-Jordan departures came word that the state party would postpone its annual fundraiser, the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, that had been scheduled for June 20 in Alexandria. “The Louisiana Legislature will be in the home stretch of the current session that ends June 25, so we’ve postponed the June 20 date,” the party announced. The new date is July 11, 2009, and this year’s keynote speaker is James Carville. The event will be held at the Hilton Capitol Center, 201 Lafayette St., in Baton Rouge.