House Minority Whip Steve Scalise will continue to represent Louisiana's First Congressional District after winning re-election last night. If Republicans wrap up a majority in the House, Rep. Scalise (R-Jefferson) could find himself as the chamber's second most-powerful member.
According to one analyst, that could mean good news for Louisiana.
"Louisiana stands to gain from a Republican takeover," LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford told WWL's Tommy Tucker. "He would not only have a hand in setting policy, but he would play a central role."
That, Alford says, could lead to policies that are favorable to Louisiana's interests working their way through Congress.
"Look for Steve Scalise early next year to step up on a new energy bill," Alford said. "He'll take the lead on that. He's already become the go-to voice for energy in the Republican Party."
Alford says Republicans are scrambling behind the scenes because they still aren't sure how the undecided House races across the country will end.
"I reached out to a congressional staffer this morning from Louisiana, and he told me on the Republican side, it's a you-know-what show," Alford said with a chuckle. "I think a lot of folks are nervous about it this morning."
Should the GOP wrap up a majority in the House and Scalise were to become the House Majority Leader, Scalise would cement his place in Louisiana political history.
"It has been exactly 50 years since Louisiana has had anyone in that job," Alford said. "That's when Hale Boggs died."
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