Louisiana U.S. Senate Candidate on the Gulf Oil Spill

The 2010 election for one of the U.S. Senate seats in Louisiana has begun. Recently Rand Paul won the Republican nomination in Kentucky by a landslide. This and the other primaries have been illustrating that Americans are fed up with business as usual in Washington.

With the 2010 election I have decided to explore the alternatives as I often feel as though my vote goes to the lesser of two evils. I like many Americans are growing tired of the either or vote. Often it seems as though voters have to pick a couple issues we believe in as part of a package deal from the Republicans or Democrats.

I have decided to start with the Libertarian candidate for senate Tony Gentile. Mr. Gentile has been forthcoming and willing to discuss the issues with me. It is refreshing to correspond directly with the candidate rather than interns. This is the first article in a series on specific issues Mr. Gentile has been generous in granting me. The idea is to present it word for word so his stance is clear. I offer the same to Senator Vitter and Representative Melancon if they should choose to accept.

For the first article I have chosen to get his views on the Gulf oil spill as it is the most important issue that faces Louisiana today. Mr. Gentile has provided me with his official statement which he also provided to the Bayou Buzz. If there is any issue the readers have then I encourage them to contact me and as long as it is in good taste I will ask and print the response in a future article.

Official statement of Anthony Gentile Libertarian Candidate for US Senator on the oil spill in the gulf:

I stand by and continue to support all efforts of deepwater drilling to secure more sources of energy for our country. Louisiana is an energy state and I will not turn my back on the industry which employs thousands of Louisianans offering those well paid jobs and benefits.

I would expect that all oil producers in the Gulf adhere to their safety procedures as well as their preventative maintenance programs to protect our environment as well keeping their employees safe. Furthermore 99% of the Federal Land prohibits drilling. This is why deep water drilling is so prominent yet riskier than land based or coastal drilling. Ultimately the Federal Government's regulations encouraged these risks. These risks must be minimized, one way is to allow more drilling in shallower waters.

I believe we need an independent investigation conducted aside from the one on going in Washington. We need people that understand the industry and its procedure looking into the tragedy. Not politicians.

My two opponents are trying to grab as many photo ops as they can. This isn't an opportunity this is a disaster which included the loss of human life and now threatens two of Louisiana's major industries.

We need people to stand ready to fight for Louisiana's industries when needed. We don't turn our backs on the airline industry when a plane crashes, we don't turn our backs on the train industry when one derails, and we don't turn our backs on a government that keeps making poor decisions. We work through the issues as a nation.

The appropriate responsible parties will be held accountable. The cause will be identified and corrected, that we can count on. As your US Senator you will be able to count on me to back Louisiana and the wishes of its citizens.

Anthony Gentile