FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 5, 2003
CONTACT: BRENDA HODGE
SENATE COMMUNICATION OFFICE 
PHONE: 225-342-9737

Senate President John Hainkel announced today that he has commitments from at least 23 members of the Louisiana Senate to support his re-election as president. Senator Hainkel, surrounded by some of those members in the Senate Chamber, noted his diverse support from across the state and across party lines.

"The Senate is an integral part of state government and we elect our own leadership," Senate President Hainkel said. "I am honored by the confidence placed in me by a majority of the membership, both democrats and republicans. We are all pledged to work with whomever is governor for the betterment of Louisiana, to continue our effort in education, economic development, transportation and public safety."

The current senators who have committed verbally or in writing to support Senator Hainkel’s reelection as president of the Louisiana Senate when the new legislative term begins in January 2004 include Senators Robert Adley, Diana Bajoie, Robert Barham, Lambert Boissiere, James David Cain, Don Cravins, Jay Dardenne, Noble Ellington, Clo Fontenot, Kip Holden, Ken Hollis, Paulette Irons, Charles Jones, Art Lentini, Mike Michot, Craig Romero, Tom Schedler, Mike Smith, Jerry Theunissen and Chris Ullo. Newly elected Senators Sherri Cheek and Ben Nevers are also supporting Hainkel’s reelection to the leadership post.

"I have on-going discussions with several other members and expect additional commitments by the end of the week. Other commitments are also probable when the remaining seats are decided in the general election this month," Senator Hainkel said. "Meanwhile we are moving ahead with preparations for the new term, planning for new member orientation and a special briefing on key issues facing Louisiana in the coming years."

Senator Hainkel has also asked all of those members who are supporting his reelection as president to support the election of Senator Don Cravins as Senate President Pro Tempore. Current Senate President Pro Tempore Ron Bean did not seek re-election.

The Louisiana Senate elects its leadership by a simple majority vote. Senate members elected Senator Hainkel president for the 2000-2004 term. He came to the Senate in 1984 from the state House of Representatives, where he served as speaker for one term. He is the only person in the history of the state to preside over both bodies.