After building a political career out of a novice run for the U.S. Senate last year, retired Air Force Col. Rob Maness of Madisonville told LaPolitics he may be ready to do it again in 2016.
“I’ve told Sen. (David) Vitter that I’m extremely interested in the Senate seat if he wins for governor and he had a very positive response,” said Maness.
Maness could present a minor roadblock for Congressman John Fleming of Shreveport, another likely Senate candidate. Both would run to the right of the field and hope to gain favor with tea party types. Congressman Charles Boustany and Treasurer John Kennedy are viewed as likely contenders as well.
In the meantime, Maness is prepping his GATOR PAC, a hybrid super PAC, for the fall state elections. He said questionnaires have been sent to candidates and endorsements will soon follow. In addition to the statewide races, Maness said his GATOR PAC may get involved in a few legislative elections. The PAC currently holds about $60,000, he added.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who was also a one-time vice presidential candidate, offered supportive words for Maness’ PAC via email.
“You bet I’ll be supporting Col. Rob Maness,” wrote Palin. “I am encouraged to hear that Col. Maness may be a candidate in the 2016 Louisiana U.S. Senate race and know he would be a needed veteran’s voice for strong constitutional conservative principals in Washington, D.C. Run Rob Run!”