Political Sex Scandals, Corruption, and Resignations: A Possible Preview of Mardi Gras 2008 Parades

In New Orleans, we have a standard parade offering in addition to beauty queens and floats covered in flowers; political satire. Almost anyone from Louisiana will instantly recognize the elected officials being skewered. Tourists from out of state may have no clue what the joke is all about. Here's a quick rundown of which officials are likely to be lampooned during this Mardi Gras 2008 season.

From the Senate
Remember reading about the Senator with ties to a shady Washington, D.C. escort service? The one rumored to be a regular in a New Orleans brothel? That was Senator David Vitter, born right here in New Orleans and currently representing Louisiana in the United States Senate.

If Senator David Vitter is not featured on a Mardi Gras float somehow, may I catch no beads this year. He was already mocked earlier this year during the Southern Decadence Gay Pride parade, an event also referred to as Gay Mardi Gras. The crowd broke into applause all along the route. All signs point toward more ridicule to come.

From the U.S. House of Representatives
I'm sure you heard about the Representative alleged to have $90,000 chilling in his freezer next to the Hot Pockets. Even though that scandal was big news last year, it may be too soon to ask float builders to pass it up. The investigation is still ongoing. The latest delay puts the hear off until... February; Carnival season! Representative William "Dollar Bill" Jefferson has a good shot at getting to roll down St. Charles Avenue again this year.

From the State Level
Our governor is always a popular target. With so many people still waiting for money from the state's 'Road Home' rebuilding program, I predict that Governor Kathleen Blanco will continue to be fodder for float builders. Recent whispers that she may be writing a book covering her term in office have kept her in the spotlight, even though she did not run for governor in the last election. I wonder if she'll get a Wonder Woman (done as Blunder Woman) outfit this time, too?

City Officials, Past and Present
A highly respected city councilman, Oliver Thomas, stepped down this year after admitting to breaking the law. He is on his way to federal prison for 3 years for taking approximately $20,000 in bribes and kickbacks. This one still stings, and in classic New Orleans fashion locals will probably try to laugh to keep from crying.

The city's District Attorney also resigned this year after a famously inept turn at the helm. Over 30 white employees were wrongfully fired very soon after D.A. Eddie Jordan took office. A lawsuit that followed awarded almost $3.5 million to the plaintiffs, money the D.A.'s office does not have. Then, too, there was a small matter of an armed crook running to the then D.A.'s house, seeking help after getting hurt while committing a robbery.
Though Jordan is out of office, I bet he's still going to get the official Carnival season treatment.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin is a favorite topic of local bloggers, radio personalities, and news writers. Most seem to be asking where he is. The rest ask what, exactly, it is that he does. During Mardi Gras, his Honor's likeness is almost certain to be found motoring down the parade route.

Now You're In The Know
This overview is based on recent news events, not on actual Mardi Gras float information. You may see more or less than what I've listed above. When you come to New Orleans this for Mardi Gras , you can laugh knowledgably as our politicians take their lumps from outspoken locals.