For Immediate Release
Monday, Jan. 11, 2016
Contact: Benjamin Clapper

504.228.4273
bclapper@prolifelouisiana.org

LARTL Congratulates Gov. Edwards, Speaker Barras

BATON ROUGE, La. - Louisiana Right to Life congratulates Gov. John Bel Edwards and all statewide elected officials on their inauguration today.

Speaker of the House Taylor Barras and Benjamin Clapper

Louisiana Right to Life also congratulates Rep. Taylor Barras of New Iberia, Louisiana's new Speaker of the House.

Barras, a Republican, was elected Speaker of the House this morning. He was a last-minute candidate for the position and won a runoff with 56 votes over Democrat Walt Leger. Rep. Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, had been the leading GOP candidate, but after receiving 28 votes in the first ballot Henry withdrew his name from consideration, allowing Barras to move into the runoff.

Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, released the following statement today:

"We congratulate Gov. Edwards today on his inauguration, and we are looking forward to working together to keep Louisiana the most pro-life state in the nation.

"We also congratulate Rep. Barras on his election as Speaker of the House. Rep. Barras has a 100 percent pro-life voting record with Louisiana Right to Life, and we are confident that the House of Representatives and the Health and Welfare Committee will be under pro-life guidance.

"We congratulate Rep. Cameron Henry on his courageous and selfless action to withdraw during the runoff, and we thank Rep. Leger for reaching out to Louisiana Right to Life during the process of the campaign for Speaker of the House. We congratulate Rep. Leger for being elected Speaker Pro Tempore.

"We are excited to move forward to work with Gov. Edwards, Speaker Barras, Speaker Pro Tempore Leger and all elected officials to defend life in Louisiana."

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Louisiana Right to Life | Lighting the Way to a Pro-Life Louisiana Since 1970
www.ProLifeLouisiana.org | 1.866.463.5433 | info@prolifelouisiana.org